Job reference: SAE-030862 Salary: £47,389 - £58,225 per annum, depending on relevant experience Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering Location: Oxford Road Employment type: Permanent Division/Team: FSE Technical Services Hours Per Week: 1 FTE Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 02/04/2026 Contract Duration: Permanent School/Directorate: Faculty Office - Science and Engineering
We are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Technical Operations Manager (Mechanical Workshops) to join our dynamic technical operations team, which strives to provide a sector-leading technical support for FSE and the wider University. With a commitment to service excellence and a passion for science and engineering, the Technical Operations Manager (Mechanical Workshops) will provide an agile technical support service to staff and students to support teaching, research and professional services. FSE’s research and teaching quality is recognised globally; this is an exciting opportunity to join us in Manchester and contribute to the provision of a sector-leading technical service.
This is a new role with responsibility for the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s mechanical workshop services, bringing together four services: CNC machining, mechanical engineering, engineering design, and student workshop support.
The workshops support research and teaching by providing technical advice, design services, supporting student workshop practicals, and the manufacture and modification of prototypes and equipment.
The postholder will be responsible for operational delivery, people management, finances, and compliance for these teams.
They will have nine direct reports and oversee a combined workforce of approximately 34 staff.
The postholder will integrate the teams into a single, cohesive, high-performing, and agile service.
The role will work within a team of 10 Technical Operations Managers who collectively manage a technical workforce of ca. 480 technical professionals across the faculty.
The postholder will build effective relationships with academic, research, technical, professional services staff and students.
What will you get in return:
Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Craig Hopper, Head of Technical Operations (Engineering)
Email: craig.hopper@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.