MRC Head Office Operations Officer

MRC Head Office Operations Officer
Salary: 30895 per annum
Band: UKRI Band C
Contract Type: Open ended
Hours: Full-time / Part time (Minimum 0.8 FTE)
Location: Polaris House Swindon Wiltshire - (Hybrid 2-3 days onsite presence required)
Open positions: 2

Closing Date: Monday 10th August 2026

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and organised Operations Officer to support the effective running of MRC Head Office. This role sits between operational delivery and strategic coordination ensuring that core processes systems and activities are delivered efficiently and consistently.
The postholder will play a key role in maintaining operational systems coordinating cross-team activity supporting improvement initiatives and ensuring that accurate data processes and guidance are in place. The role provides an opportunity to work closely with colleagues across MRC and UKRI contributing to a well-functioning and continuously improving Head Office.

Overall Purpose

To support the coordination delivery and continuous improvement of operational systems and processes within MRC Head Office ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning and alignment with organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Support and Coordination

• Support the coordination of day-to-day operations across MRC Head Office ensuring activities are delivered efficiently and in line with agreed processes.
• Assist in managing and maintaining operational systems workflows and tools (e.g. SharePoint ERM Intranet).
• Coordinate cross-team activities tracking progress and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Provide administrative and operational support to key projects and initiatives led by senior colleagues.

Process Management and Improvement

• Maintain and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) guidance documents and process maps.
• Find opportunities to improve processes reduce duplication and enhance efficiency escalating recommendations where appropriate.
• Support the documentation and implementation of new or updated processes.
• Assist with embedding consistent ways of working across teams.

Operational Systems and Data

• Support the maintenance and effective use of operational tools and systems (e.g. ERM operational calendars workflow platforms).
• Input manage and validate data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Produce routine operational reports and dashboards highlighting trends or issues.
• Support colleagues in using systems effectively through guidance and troubleshooting.

Planning and Coordination

• Support the maintenance of the MRC Head Office operational calendar ensuring key activities and deadlines are captured and updated.
• Assist in coordinating organisational activities such as appraisals training cycles and governance processes.
• Work with colleagues across teams to gather updates and ensure alignment of activities

Workforce and Capability Support

• Support the maintenance of workforce and capability data including skills and role information.
• Assist with recruitment and onboarding processes ensuring accurate operational information and documentation are in place.
• Contribute to the development and upkeep of capability frameworks and supporting materials.

Governance and Compliance

• Support adherence to operational policies procedures and governance requirements.
• Assist with activities related to delegated authority budget tracking and compliance processes
• Escalate risks issues or inconsistencies as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build effective working relationships with colleagues across MRC Head Office and UKRI.
• Provide responsive customer-focused support to stakeholders.
• Assist with preparing updates briefings and communications as required.

Working Relationships

Reports to: Senior Operations Manager

Key Interactions:

• MRC Head Office teams.
• UKRI corporate services (Finance HR Governance).
• External partners where relevant.

Personal Specification

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential Criteria

• Experience supporting operational processes systems or administrative services within a complex organisation. (S/I)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities. (S/I)
• Experience working with digital tools (e.g. Microsoft Office SharePoint workflow systems). (S/I)
• Ability to coordinate activities across teams and track progress to deadlines. (S/I)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate data and documentation. (S/I)
• Good communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders. (S/I)
• Proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving. (S/I)

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in a public sector research or governance-driven environment. (S/I)
• Familiarity with tools such as ERM/CRM systems or reporting dashboards. (S/I)
• Experience supporting process improvement or operational projects. (S/I)

Key Behaviours

• Collaborative and supportive team player
• Organised and reliable with strong attention to detail
• Proactive and adaptable able to manage changing priorities
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence

Positioning of the Role (Summary)

• Senior Operations Manager: Strategic leadership transformation organisational oversight.
• Operations Manager: System ownership performance insight cross-org coordination improvement delivery.
• Operations Officer (this role): Coordination delivery process ownership operational support.

Visa Sponsorship

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined salary pension scheme.
• 30 days annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online if you experience any issue applying please contact