Finance and Operations Manager (Internal secondment only)

Ref Number

B04-07604

Professional Expertise

Administration and Business Support

Department

UCL BEAMS (B04)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

£54,931-£64,644

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

Yes

Closing Date

06-Aug-2026

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 32 Nobel prizewinners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 50,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

The Physics and Astronomy Department is located in the heart of the historical area of Bloomsbury. Scientific research and study has been a strong feature of UCL since its inception in 1826 and the Department is currently one of the top ranked Physics departments in the country, and indeed the world. We have forged an internationally renowned reputation for being at the forefront of world leading research and providing high class teaching. Those joining us can expect to be part of a dynamic community of Physicists and Astronomers whose enthusiasm for science and innovation is exceptional.

About the role

The postholder will take a lead on managing operational aspects of the department in coordination with senior departmental staff, including the Head of Department and Departmental Manager. The postholder will deputise for the Physics & Astronomy Department Manager and line-manage staff within the department professional services team in the remit of finance, research, and HR.

Responsibilities include the oversight of departmental resources, budgeting, cost recovery, compliance, and risk reduction in research grants. The postholder will provide effective leadership, help manage change, build effective and positive working relationships across the department and the faculty with central support teams to effectively and efficiently address any potential issues arising or that require escalation.

The role will also provide support with finance and research matters across the faculty ensuring that systems and processes are aligned with institutional frameworks where appropriate, are fit for purpose, and that UCL, faculty and departmental policies and strategies are fully implemented at all times.

This is an 11 month internal secondment role, available to current UCL staff only which will end in July 2027.

About you

The ideal candidate would have a proven track record in administration and management within a HE or similar environment with experience of managing and developing a team of support staff effectively. You will be able to demonstrate success in business planning and in the development and effective implementation of corporate aims and objectives.

The successful candidate will have financial skills with proven experience of preparing and planning financial budgets, forecasts and accounts, including financial reports for a variety of uses. You will also have the ability to lead department colleagues to engage in and implement the continuous improvement of systems and processes.

You will have excellent analytical skills, ability to prioritise tasks, work with a variety of stakeholders, be confident in deputising for senior managers, and committed to fostering a supportive and high-performing work culture.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)

Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme

Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)

Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

Immigration loan

Relocation scheme for certain posts

On-Site nursery

On-site gym

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay

Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service

Discounted medical insurance

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.”: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy