Head of Strategic Operations

Salary: £ 97,200

Closing date: Sunday, 19 January 2025

Contract type: Permanent

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships.

We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health.

These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won't be solved by science alone.

We are looking for a Head of Strategic Operations to join our team in the CEO's Office.

Where in Wellcome will I be working?

The role reports to the Chief of Staff. You will be managing planning and operations of the Executive Office (this is a part of the CEO Office department) and oversee a team of four (Executive Assistants to Chair and CEO, Executive Support Assistant to Governors, and Committee Coordinator & Administrator).

The CEO Office is a central nexus for ensuring the organisation's resources, processes, and activities are aligned to deliver Wellcome's mission and strategy. It has a crucial role in developing Wellcome's strategy, related programmes and initiatives, and monitoring organisational impact. Strategic Operations is one of four functions within the CEO Office.

What will I be doing?

This role is a part of the CEO Office Leadership Team, led by the Chief of Staff, and Wellcome's Leadership Forum, chaired by the CEO.

You will be responsible to ensure appropriate and efficient use of the CEO's time, working closely with the Chief of Staff and acting as a strategic thought partner to ensure these prioritisation decisions are aligned to Wellcome's mission and strategy. You will also be managing the operational functioning of the Executive Office and oversee a team that supports senior staff such as the CEO, Chair, and those responsible for the governance secretariat.

As a Head of Strategic Operations, you will:

• Manage the interface between the CEO and the rest of the organisation, identifying and effectively resolving completing priorities and issues.

• Work in partnership with the Head of Strategic Advice to bring strategic oversight to the use of the CEO's time (internal and external), ensuring that their commitments reach broad coverage and greatest impact to Wellcome's mission/strategy.

• Anticipate and ensure the timely co-ordination and production of reports, briefings, and meeting notes required by CEO.

• Ensure procurement activities, budgets and contributions to internal reporting are all completed within policy and to time. This includes coordinating, leading forecasting and monitoring of the CEO Office's Team's budget management.

• Contribute to the creation and development of a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, and advocate for Wellcome's mission in all internal and external interactions.

Is this job for me?

This role best suits someone who can balance strategic and operational thinking and planning effectively. Being able to deal positively with ambiguity, take a flexible/adaptable approach to respond to fast paced quality delivery, maintaining confidentiality and developing healthy relationships with stakeholders at all levels of seniority are essential for thriving in this role.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of influencing and implementing strategies, programmes and operating plans including substantial experience of working closely with senior stakeholders (internal and external).

• A deep understanding of the global health space as well as the government and policy arena as relevant to Wellcome's mission/strategy is strongly desirable.

• Evidenced knowledge of Wellcome's priorities and interests and of policy issues in the science and research policy sector, both in the UK and globally

• Experience of managing budgets and leading highly motivated teams that achieve great results.

• Strong interpersonal skills, collegial with high integrity and committed to the highest ethical standards.

• Fluent and persuasive communicator with a great ability to build trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority.

To apply please upload your current CV and complete our short application

Interview dates: w/c 27 January and w/c 3 February 2025

You can view the full job description on our website

You can read more about the benefits we offer our employees on our website

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at .