Operations Manager

Role overview

Main duties and responsibilities

• Deputise for the School Manager and lead strategic initiatives.
• Lead and motivate the operations team and oversee its support services.
• Manage staff contracts, recruitment, review and development and promotion processes with HR.
• Lead estates matters and provide project management support.
• Support complex research grants and large post-award funding portfolios.
• Lead information management, the information asset register and compliance activities.
• Oversee business continuity and academic workload planning.
• Take delegated responsibility for budgets and support One University activities, including Athena Swan accreditation.

Person specification

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Professional experience, ideally in Higher Education or a similar environment.
• Experience managing and motivating a team and aligning work with priorities.
• Excellent communication, organisation, problem-solving and customer service skills.
• Understanding of Higher Education policy, systems, legislation and quality standards.
• Experience providing administrative and business support in a complex organisation and implementing service improvements.
• Ability to work flexibly and collegiately toward strategic aims.

Further information

• Salary is £38,784 to £47,389 per annum, with potential progression to £51,753 through sustained exceptional contribution.
• The role is full-time and open-ended.
• The line manager is the School Manager.
• Direct reports include Operations Officers, a Staffing and Contracts Officer and an Operations Assistant.

What we offer

• At least 41 days of annual leave including bank holidays and closure days, with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities are available, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme, discounts, staff networks, recognition awards and development opportunities.
• Family-friendly policies and support for parenting, caring emergencies, menopause and fertility treatment.

About the University

Recruitment information

• Closing date is 17 September 2026.
• Selection is anticipated to take place in late September or early October.