National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR)
Chief Operating Officer
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About NIESR
The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) is the UK’s longest-established independent research institute, founded in 1938. As a registered charity, we produce rigorous economic and social research that informs policy and public debate in the UK and internationally.
The Role
We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer to lead our internal operations, business support functions and business development. You will make sure NIESR has the systems, processes, people capability, financial discipline and income base it needs to deliver its strategic objectives effectively and sustainably.
Working closely with the Director and Chief Economist, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering our business plan and in leading the Institute through change. You will lead our income generation strategy, growing and diversifying income across research contracts, commissions, grants, and commercial and philanthropic sources. You will combine strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to delivery, and you will act as deputy to the Director on operational, organisational and people-management matters as required.
What You Will Do
- Strategy and organisational effectiveness: shape, implement and monitor the business plan with the Director, turn strategic priorities into clear operational plans, and lead cross-organisational projects on development, systems and change. You will sit on the Senior Leadership Team.
- Business development and income: set income targets and lead the bid, tender, pricing and contract negotiation pipeline. You will build senior relationships with funders, clients and partners alongside the Director and Chief Economist, and put in place robust management information, supported by a CRM.
- Operations and professional services: lead finance, people, governance, premises, legal, IT and related services, making sure systems and policies are fit for purpose and that the structure of support functions is efficient and sustainable.
- Finance and risk: lead financial strategy, budgets and modelling, make sure pricing supports competitive bidding and full cost recovery, ensure compliance with charity accounting and law, and lead our approach to risk and internal controls.
- People and culture: provide senior leadership on people management, organisational design and workforce planning, and help build a positive, professional, high-performing and inclusive culture.
- Engagement and governance: make sure communications and events strengthen NIESR’s profile and relationships, and support governance by working with the Director and trustees, including regular reporting to trustees on income and business development performance.
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What We Are Looking For
You will have:
- senior leadership experience in a complex organisation, with substantial responsibility for operations, finance, people and organisational risk, ideally in the not-for-profit, research, professional services or public policy sectors
- a proven track record of leading business development or income generation, growing and diversifying income
- strong financial and commercial acumen, including budgeting, planning, pricing and financial management, and a good understanding of financial management, governance, charity law and regulatory requirements
- a track record of strengthening organisational performance, improving operational efficiency and leading organisations or functions through complex change
- exceptional people leadership and management capability, with sound HR knowledge
- the ability to combine strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach to execution and problem-solving, and to manage multiple workstreams and competing priorities
- strong IT literacy and confidence in using digital and AI-enabled tools to improve effectiveness, efficiency and the quality of internal and external processes
- excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to build relationships and influence at senior level with funders, clients and partners
- a professional, empathetic and collaborative leadership style
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It would be an advantage to have:
- professional experience in economics, or a strong interest in the subject
- an understanding of the research and public policy funding landscape, including government commissioning and research council funding
- experience of overseeing communications, events or external engagement, and of working with trustees or governing boards
- experience of organisations with mixed funding models, including commercial, philanthropic and grant income
You will be solutions-focused and pragmatic with a “can-do” mindset, resilient in leading through ambiguity and change, and a credible, calm leader who is comfortable working at both strategic and operational levels.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a 2 page covering letter setting out your suitability for the role to hr@niesr.ac.uk.
We are keeping direct experience and knowledge requirements to a minimum, but we need you to use your covering letter to show how you meet each of the essential requirements listed above.
For more information, please refer to the Job and Person Specification.
NIESR is committed to diversity, equality and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
Salary: £110,000
Location: London, hybrid working
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Director
Direct reports: Director of Corporate Services, Business Development, and professional services staff
Closing date: 4th October
Interviews: 16th October
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