Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for doctoral programmes and enhance researcher support at Aston University.
- Company: Aston University, a vibrant institution in Birmingham focused on innovative education.
- Benefits: Dynamic working, generous leave, discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of doctoral education and make a real impact in academia.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and knowledge of higher education policies.
- Other info: Join a supportive community with great career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
This is an exciting period of strategic transformation at Aston University, Birmingham. Aston 2030 Strategy promises to redesign the development planning and delivery of professional education and training programmes around the needs of employers, businesses, and local communities. Aston University is embarking on a significant expansion of its doctoral programmes and partnerships with an ambition to double doctoral student numbers to 1,000+ by 2030. The Aston Doctoral School (ADS) is responsible for such advancement and will be known for its vitality, the rigour of its doctoral programmes and commitment to providing sector‑leading, researcher‑led training for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers as well as early career academics. The Doctoral School also plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of a positive research culture and environment for enhanced doctoral and postdoctoral researchers’ experience.
The Director of Operations, who will be based in ADS, will provide operational leadership for the University’s doctoral provision (PhD and Professional Doctorates such as DBA) and postdoctoral researchers support, ensuring academic quality, student experience, regulatory compliance and innovation, while developing national and international doctoral partnerships, including joint and dual awards. The Director of Operations will report directly to and be line‑managed by the Deputy Pro Vice‑Chancellor, Research and Enterprise (REF, Doctoral School and International Research).
Responsibilities- Provide operational leadership for the University’s doctoral provision (PhD and Professional Doctorates such as DBA) and postdoctoral researchers support.
- Ensure academic quality, student experience, regulatory compliance and innovation.
- Develop national and international doctoral partnerships, including joint and dual awards.
- Report directly to and be line‑managed by the Deputy Pro Vice‑Chancellor, Research and Enterprise (REF, Doctoral School and International Research).
- Experience of operational leadership and process improvement.
- Knowledge of the external policy environment in which the Higher Education sector operates and issues pertinent to doctoral research.
- Ability to work authoritatively and respectfully with stakeholders across the University.
- Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre with excellent transport links via bus or train.
- The role is offered as ‘dynamic working’, which means working both on campus (expected on campus 3 days per week) and from home depending on the activity.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
- Great family‑friendly policies.
- On‑site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
ADS Director of Operations in Birmingham employer: Aston University
Contact Detail:
Aston University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ADS Director of Operations in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Aston University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Aston 2030 Strategy. Show us you understand their vision and how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to highlight your operational leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in operational leadership and process improvement. We want to hear specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Aston community.
We think you need these skills to ace ADS Director of Operations in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership and process improvement. We want to see how your skills align with the needs of the Aston Doctoral School and the exciting transformation ahead!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the Higher Education sector and the specific challenges related to doctoral research. We’re looking for someone who can navigate this landscape effectively, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant insights!
Be Personable: When writing your application, remember to convey your ability to work respectfully with stakeholders across the University. We value collaboration, so let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Aston University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Aston 2030 Strategy and how it relates to the role of Director of Operations. Familiarise yourself with the current trends in doctoral education and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the strategic transformation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your operational leadership and process improvement skills. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you successfully navigated them, especially in a higher education context.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Demonstrate your ability to work with various stakeholders by preparing questions that show your understanding of their needs. This could include how you would foster partnerships or enhance the student experience, so think about what matters most to them.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Since regulatory compliance is key in this role, brush up on relevant policies and regulations in the higher education sector. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure academic quality and compliance in the doctoral programmes.