For over sixty years, British Heart Foundation (BHF) has been one of the world’s largest independent funders of heart and circulatory research, powering progress that has saved countless lives.
However, our work is needed more than ever. Our vision is a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases, and we passionately believe that raising funds to support cutting-edge research will bring us closer to achieving it.
We are proud to invest in an exceptional network of world-class researchers who are making a difference for the millions of people living with heart and circulatory diseases in the UK and around the world. We have over £400 million of BHF-funded research underway, and an ambition to fund more than £1 billion by 2030.
As the UK’s leading heart charity, our research also informs the vital information and support we give to millions of people and their loved ones when they need it most. And it fuels our campaigning to ensure a healthier world for everyone.
Director of Operations (Medical)
Also known as a Chief of Staff, you'll lead the planning and administration activity for our Scientific and Medical teams, as well as supporting our Chief Scientific and Medical Officer (CSMO) you’ll ensure the efficient running of directorate activities and will play an integral role, as part of our medical leadership team, in supporting our mission of the Research and Health functions.
You’ll be a trusted partner to the CSMO, accountable for providing oversight of directorate and external activity and represent the CSMO in key internal and external meetings.
You’ll also distil complex information and formulate simple prioritised actions, representing and attending key internal and external meetings with or on behalf of the CSMO and advise on appropriate actions and delivery to align with strategic ambitions.
Working arrangements
This is a blended role, where your work will be dual located between your home and our London office.
At BHF we believe in the power of being together, so our colleagues on blended contracts can expect to spend some time in their office, at least one day each week, on average. The use of our office spaces is driven in part by your role and the activities you need to do. This may vary from time to time, so you will need to work in a flexible way to unlock your best work for our cause.
Need more help balancing your work and home life? Talk to us about what flexibility is available at the application or interview stage.
About you
With a science or clinical science background, you’ll have excellent organisational and administration experience, preferably gained with senior leadership teams within the NHS/ academia/ health sector.
You’ll be an established leader, well versed in planning and prioritisation in a complex setting, as well as experience working closely with senior leaders up to Executive level, including Board representations.
Familiar with the research process you’ll also have the following key skills and experience:
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Ability to span from strategic thinking to operational and administrative details
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Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, able to adjust tone for medical and non-medical stakeholders
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Able to summarise complex information into prioritised key information
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An effective communicator of health and research concepts to a lay audience
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Can understand the strategic importance of an activity or project; and convey that to others
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Highly organised, able to prioritise own work, and that of the team
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Highly collaborative, able to flex style and has credibility with a range of stakeholders, able to challenge appropriately
About us
Every single one of us is vulnerable to the heartbreak caused by heart and circulatory diseases – they are the world’s biggest killers. But the research we fund represents hope. And nothing matters more than finding cures and treatments that give us more time with the people we love.
We value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, celebrate diversity, and make inclusion part of what we do every day.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy,
Igniting Change, along with our internal EDI group, Kaleidoscope, and a growing number of employee network groups (our Affinity Groups), help us create an environment where all our colleagues and volunteers can succeed.
Benefits
When you join the BHF we'll help you grow, learn, and develop your career.
We offer our staff generous benefits, including:
- 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Private medical insurance, dental health cover, and money towards gym membership.
- Pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%.
- Full pay for 12 weeks for family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
- Life assurance.
- Extra paid leave of up to 10 days to support colleagues who may need more time off work to look after themselves or others close to them.
We care about the well-being of our employees through our Live Well. Work Well. Programme, which gives you activities, opportunities, and advice to help you live a healthy and happy life, both at home and at work. We embrace diversity and inclusion and encourage all our colleagues to be themselves.
Interview process
First stage interviews will be held via MS Teams on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October. Second stage interviews will be held at our London offices on Monday 11th November and Tuesday 12th November. This stage will incorporate a presentation element and wider stakeholder panel meeting.
How to apply
It’s quick and easy to apply for a role at the BHF. Just click on the apply button below. All you’ll need is an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the role’s criteria.
As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, the BHF will use anonymous CV software as part of the application journey.
Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please
contact us.