MRC Head Office - Operations Officer

MRC Head Office Operations Officer
Salary: £30,895 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 position's: 2

Closing Date:
Monday 10th August 2026

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Reports to:

Senior Operations Manager

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

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

• Experience supporting operational processes, systems, or administrative services within a complex organisation. (S/I)
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage…