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- Tasks: Lead daily operations for the School of Engineering, ensuring smooth administrative support.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham, a leading institution in higher education.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in management, finance, or administration required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to shape the future of engineering education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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School Operations Manager – School of Engineering – 106102 – Grade 7
Client: University of Birmingham
Location: United Kingdom
Job Category: Other
EU work permit required: Yes
Job Reference: 0dce7bd1f27d
Job Views: 6
Posted: 12.08.2025
Expiry Date: 26.09.2025
Job Description:
Summary
The Operations Manager is a central role to the School of Engineering within the College of Engineering & Physical Sciences (EPS) for the day-to-day running of the School. The post-holder is responsible for the School’s Professional Services Operations Hub and ensures that administrative support and leadership are delivered effectively, efficiently, and professionally, supporting the School\’s activities. The post-holder will support the Head of School, Head of Operations, and School Senior Management Team (SMT) to facilitate the strategic direction of the School.
You will set and uphold high standards of work and lead the team to provide excellent service for the smooth running of the School. You will also support and lead on cross-School strategies, processes, and initiatives to ensure the School’s ambitions are supported by appropriate systems, processes, and resources.
The post holder should have knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in the Higher Education sector, an understanding of good practice in delivering professional administration and financial support, and the ability to balance academic considerations with wider priorities.
The post holder will report to the School Head of Operations and work closely with academic leads and the College Operations Team. They will also deputize for the Head of Operations.
Main Duties
Strategic
- Support the development of the School\’s strategic plan and monitor progress towards its goals.
- Identify strategic priorities and ensure they align with College and University strategies.
- Implement best practices across administrative areas and foster effective relationships with key College partners.
Leadership
- Lead the School’s Professional Services Operations Hub, managing workloads, resources, and training.
- Conduct Performance and Development Reviews, manage staff performance, and motivate the team.
- Build networks with similar roles across other Schools and external organizations to share best practices.
Personnel and Staff Management
- Work with HR to manage recruitment, staff development, and HR processes.
- Support staff through coaching, training, and professional development initiatives.
- Coordinate induction processes and manage compliance with mandatory training.
Financial Management
- Assist in budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Monitor expenditure and implement strategies for efficiency.
Communications & Events
- Manage internal communications and support School events.
Governance
- Support the School’s governance structures and ensure regulatory compliance.
Additional Responsibilities
- Coordinate space management and support large-scale projects.
Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
- First degree or equivalent, with relevant professional experience.
- Experience in people and financial management.
- Knowledge of UK HE funding, excellent report writing, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Strong IT skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Planning and Organising
Plan projects up to 12 months ahead, understanding HEI priorities.
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Manage operational and strategic issues independently or with consultation.
Relationships
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver support and leadership.
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School Operations Manager - School of Engineering - 106102 - Grade 7 employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Operations Manager - School of Engineering - 106102 - Grade 7
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Birmingham's strategic goals and values. Understanding their mission will help you align your discussions during interviews, showcasing how your experience can contribute to their objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles at the University. Engaging with them can provide insights into the School of Engineering's culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in the Higher Education sector, particularly those affecting engineering schools. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about relevant issues during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership and financial management skills. Being able to articulate these examples clearly will help you stand out as a strong candidate for the Operations Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace School Operations Manager - School of Engineering - 106102 - Grade 7
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly within the education sector. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience you have with financial management and strategic planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Use examples from your past experience to demonstrate how you meet these criteria and your understanding of the challenges in Higher Education.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your knowledge of UK Higher Education funding, report writing abilities, and communication skills. These are crucial for the role and should be evident in your application materials.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are essential for the Operations Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of the School Operations Manager position. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, such as managing the Professional Services Operations Hub and supporting strategic initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading a team and managing performance, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully motivated and developed staff in previous positions. Highlight any experience you have in conducting Performance and Development Reviews.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial management is a key aspect of this role, be ready to talk about your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring expenditure. Prepare to discuss strategies you've implemented for efficiency in financial processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage operational or strategic issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
