Smooth operations. Delivering at a fast pace. Impacting the future.
Lead Business Operations Manager
Internally, this role is known as Lead Supplier Performance Manager
£53,500 – £58,500 (+ Benefits)
Grade: P3
Reports to: Head of Business Operations & Delivery (Technology)
Contract: Fixed-term contract ending 27 February 2027
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
External Closing date: 06 April 2026, 23:55
Internal Closing date: 13 April 2026, 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk as soon as possible.
Recruitment process: One competency-based interview with an exercise
Interview date: From the week commencing 20 April 2026 (we will be shortlisting on a rolling basis, so please do not delay in applying)
How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
What will I be doing?
- Partnering with the Lead Project Management Office (PMO) Manager to lead and develop a high-performing Technology Business Operations team.
- This involves ensuring the team is empowered and supported to achieve their objectives, meet agreed service levels, and deliver a seamless experience for colleagues.
- Building and maintaining strong working relationships with senior stakeholders across Technology and Cancer Research UK to foster collaboration and drive continuous improvements.
- Partnering with other Chief Operating Office (COO) and Chief Finance Office (CFO) functions (including Legal, Procurement, Transformation Management Office (TMO)) to develop and embed business management frameworks, best practices, and robust and effective end-to-end processes.
- Collaborating with Procurement and Legal to ensure alignment on strategic priorities.
- Leading on supplier relationship management across Technology, applying centralised best practice frameworks.
- Tailoring and embedding these practices within Technology to ensure consistent and effective engagement.
- Supporting colleagues to drive improvements in supplier performance and maximise ROI on supplier spend.
- Acting as a point of escalation to resolve any supplier performance issues and managing engagement with Procurement and Legal when necessary.
- Support the Head of Business Operations & Delivery in driving financial planning and reporting processes.
What skills will I need?
- Operations background with business and performance management experience in large, complex organisations.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills with experience building credible, collaborative, and engaging internal and external stakeholder relationships at a senior level.
- Has a continuous improvement mindset for identifying, implementing, and capitalising on improvement opportunities, encouraging innovation, and promoting best practices.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with a successful track record of planning strategically, managing conflicting priorities, and navigating change while adhering to deadlines.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving with a solutions-driven approach and an ability to think analytically.
- Some experience and knowledge of managing supplier relationships and performance.
- Some experience in either direct line or matrix management, or supporting more junior members of a team, with the ability to lead, empower, and coach cross-functional teams.
Benefits and Growth
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
Additional Information
For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…