Head of Facilities and Lab Operations

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Cambridge, UK

Join Nu Quantum - Shaping the Future of Technology

Nu Quantum is at the forefront of quantum computing and advanced technology, driven by innovation, diversity, and a commitment to excellence. We’re creating an environment where brilliant minds from all backgrounds collaborate to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Founded to commercialise research generated over the last decade at the Cavendish Laboratory, Nu Quantum is on a mission to shape the future of quantum information systems.

We’re working on exciting technology that will improve the utility and accelerate the time-to-market of quantum computing systems. We integrate novel quantum photonic technology to form an efficient and scalable quantum networking infrastructure in partnership with world-leading companies and academic groups.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Facilities and Lab Operations to head the operations and continuous improvement of our laboratory and office facilities. You will ensure our deep tech research and development environment is safe, compliant and optimised to support our ambitious growth plans. This is a hands-on leadership role managing our Office Manager and Lab Manager with strategic impact.

What You'll Be Doing

Facilities Operations & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee, maintain and scale laboratory and office facilities, including HVAC, power distribution, environmental controls, security and critical utilities.
• Partnering with R&D and Engineering to support highly specialist laboratory infrastructure requirements.
• Partner with Procurement for new capital equipment procurement and commissioning.
• Manage laboratory asset register, including preventative maintenance schedules.
• Oversee landlord relationships for multi-site operations (Cambridge).
• Ensure effective workspace planning and allocation (lab vs. office balance).
• Manage vendor and contractor relationships for service contracts, SLAs,  SoWs etc.

Health, Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations.
• Develop and maintain H&S systems, policies, risk assessments (including COSHH), permits-to-work and safe systems of work.
• Manage fire safety, emergency preparedness and business continuity planning.
• Coordinate statutory testing, audits and inspections.
• Ensure environmental and waste compliance.
• Collaborate in assessing the adequacy of insurance coverage.

Project Management, Strategy & Reporting

• Lead all new facilities projects and overall facilities roadmap, including expansion, relocation, refurbishment and infrastructure upgrades.
• Develop and manage facilities budgets, including forecasting and cost optimisation.
• Drive sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Provide regular reporting to leadership on performance, risks and improvements.

Workplace Experience & Culture

• Ensure a safe, high-performing workplace environment.
• Partner with the People Team on onboarding and workspace planning.
• Promote a strong safety culture and continuous improvement mindset.

What we're looking for

Essential

• Proven experience leading facilities operations across laboratory and office environments, ideally within high-tech or R&D settings.
• Strong technical knowledge of building services (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security, fire safety) and laboratory infrastructure (e.g. gas systems, cleanrooms, electromechanical spaces, equipment installation and commissioning).
• Formal Health & Safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent) with experience managing a H&S system and conducting risk assessments.
• Budget ownership, including forecasting, cost control and vendor negotiation.
• Proven experience managing contractors, landlords and service providers.
• Experience delivering facilities projects to support growth (office expansions, laboratory fit-outs, etc.)
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leadership.
• Demonstrated management experience, team leadership and ability to manage cross-functional priorities.

Desirable (not required, but beneficial)

• Experience in deep tech or advanced research environments (e.g. quantum, photonics, semiconductors, biotech, nanotech).
• Experience supporting optics/laser labs, cleanrooms, specialist gases or cryogenics.
• Project management certification (PRINCE2, PMP or Agile familiarity).
• Knowledge of ISO standards relevant to research or manufacturing (ISO 9001, ISO 14001).
• Experience scaling organisations through high-growth phases.
• Experience implementing sustainability or energy efficiency initiatives.
• Knowledge of business continuity and emergency preparedness in complex technical environments.

Why Work with Us?

At Nu Quantum, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people of all identities, orientations, backgrounds, and experiences are empowered. We value diverse perspectives as a source of creativity and innovation and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and marginalised communities. Joining Nu Quantum means joining a team where you can grow professionally and be part of an inspiring mission to shape the future of technology.

Benefits

• Refreshments, including fruit and beverages, are available in the office.
• Flexible working options
• 28 days annual leave, inclusive of a 3-day company shutdown period + UK Bank Holidays
• Option to purchase up to 5 days holiday per year
• Access to the Cambridge Botanical Gardens
• On-site gym membership
• Cycle scheme 
• Private Medical and Dental Cover (With Vitality and Bupa)
• Enhanced paid family leave policies 
• Generous Employee Referral Scheme
• 1 month paid Sabbatical after 4 years of service
• Group Life Assurance (4 x salary)