Operations Director (Federated Telecoms Hubs)

The Operations Director will lead and develop a major telecoms-focused initiative, ensuring the successful implementation of its mission to maximise the impact of research and technology transfer across the UK telecoms sector.

Reporting to a senior lead, the Operations Director will chair the Operations Group, providing leadership across Marketing, Standards, Training, and Commercialisation functions. The role includes direct responsibility for the IP Pipeline, overseeing the identification, protection, and commercialisation of intellectual property generated through cutting edge research programmes.

Acting as the link between strategic direction and operational delivery, the post holder will be accountable for overall performance, financial sustainability, and the delivery of key objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Chair and lead the Operations Group, ensuring cohesive delivery across Marketing, Standards, Training, and Commercialisation
• Lead the strategic and operational management of the IP Pipeline, working closely with Technology Transfer Offices
• Provide strategic guidance on standards engagement, commercialisation pathways, and marketing alignment
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans, monitoring performance and managing risk
• Build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders across industry, government, and academia
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high performing team
• Ensure governance and leadership teams are kept informed to maintain alignment and accountability

Essential Criteria

• Ability to commence immediately (or within 1 month latest)
• Degree educated (PhD desirable) in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline
• Strong leadership, team management, and strategic planning skills
• Experience managing high impact research programmes or operating at a senior level within business or academia
• Advanced operational and analytical capability, with strong understanding of technical systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in technology transfer, commercialisation, or innovation management
• Familiarity with compliance standards and technical tools (e.g. MATLAB, Python, or similar)
• Proven ability to build and maintain high level partnerships across industry and academia

Why Apply

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly prestigious, world-renowned organisation and play a leading role in a high profile, internationally significant initiative. You will be working at the forefront of telecommunications research, helping to shape innovation that influences both the UK and global telecoms landscape.

Working alongside world-class academics, industry leaders, and government stakeholders, you will contribute to programmes with genuine real-world impact. This role offers excellent scope for professional growth, strategic influence, and the opportunity to make a lasting contribution within a globally recognised institution.