Head of operations

Responsibilities

Unit: Operations

No. Of Positions: 1 (one)

Reporting Line: General Director (GD)

Contract Type: Full-time employment. Open-term contract.

Indicative Annual Gross Salary Range: €50,000 - €60,000 The salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

Eligibility: Open to current CYENS employees only.

Application Deadline: DATE (2 weeks)

The Opportunity

CYENS is seeking an experienced and capable professional to lead its Operations Department. Reporting directly to the General Director, the Head of Operations will be responsible for the strategic planning, management and coordination of the Centre’s operational functions, ensuring effective service delivery, compliance and efficient use of resources. The role oversees the Research Office, Facilities Management, Information Technology Services, Research Laboratory Management and Human Resources, contributing to the effective operation, sustainability and continued development of CYENS.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic planning, management and coordination of the Operations Department, ensuring alignment with CYENS’ objectives and priorities.
• Oversee the Research Office, Facilities Management, IT Services, Research Laboratory Management and Human Resources, ensuring effective coordination and service delivery.
• Develop, implement and review operational policies, procedures and improvement initiatives.
• Manage the department’s budget, resources and KPIs, supporting financial planning, performance monitoring and organisational sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, regulatory requirements, health and safety standards, and internal governance arrangements.
• Oversee operational risk management, business continuity and the effective management of facilities, IT infrastructure, laboratories and scientific equipment.
• Lead and support the teams within the department, monitor performance, and collaborate with other departments and the Executive Committee to support the Centre’s objectives.

Your profile

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical skills and a results-oriented approach.
• Effective communication, collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to lead teams, manage change and resolve operational challenges.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving, continuous improvement and accountability.

General qualifications and requirements

Key requirements

Essential Requirements

• University Degree: a Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field
• At least five years of advanced management experience in senior positions.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, leadership, budgeting and resource management.
• Experience in developing and implementing policies, procedures and operational plans.
• Strong understanding of governance, organisational management and regulatory compliance.
• Good computer literacy.
• Language requirements: Excellent written and oral English-language skills are essential.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience overseeing multiple operational functions or departments.
• Experience in research, higher education, innovation or a comparable organisational environment.
• Experience in risk management, business continuity and continuous improvement.

Why us?

Application process

For full consideration interested applicants should submit their application through Personio

• An updated CV.
• A cover letter outlining their suitability for the role, relevant experience and motivation for applying.
• Recent performance evaluation documentation

Important Information

This is an internal vacancy and is open exclusively to current CYENS employees. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. All applications will be treated confidentially. The selection process will be conducted in accordance with CYENS’ recruitment procedures.

Contact details

For general enquiries, applicants may contact the HR Department at hr@cyens.org.cy.

About us

CYENS Centre of Excellence (formerly known as RISE) is the Research and Innovation Centre on Interactive media, Smart systems and Emerging technologies empowering knowledge and technology transfer in the region. CYENS CoE is supported by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus and its founding Partners, the Municipality of Nicosia, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics (MPI), University College London, the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Open University of Cyprus.

The Centre conducts excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence delivered by high-calibre multidisciplinary research teams. CYENS engages in knowledge transfer and innovation activities aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and STEM-led innovation and entrepreneurship.

CYENS, as a Centre of Excellence, cultivates a culture of innovation and creativity in an inspiring environment filled with academics, researchers, creative and onward-looking people, innovators, entrepreneurs, and practitioners. The Centre operates under the moto “Inspired by Humans Designed for Humans” with the vision to produce world class research that drives innovation towards social and economic benefit while conducting excellent, internationally competitive scientific research in the areas of visual sciences, human factors and design, communication, and artificial intelligence. It sets out to meet the challenge with a total potential funding of more than 30 million Euros for the first 7 years, from a Horizon 2020 Teaming Action and multiple other sources, and a business plan for long-term sustainability and growth.