At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead campus operations to create a thriving environment for students and staff.
- Company: Cardiff Met, a values-driven university focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, generous pension scheme, and excellent family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join an award-winning team making a real impact on campus sustainability and student experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management, strong communication skills, and digital systems proficiency.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Cardiff Met, we’re building a campus environment that enables people to thrive - supporting innovative teaching, impactful research and an outstanding student experience. Ranked 1st in Wales in the People & Planet University League, we’re turning ambition into action; backed by nearly £25M in low‑interest loan funding to deliver decarbonisation works over the next four years, creating smarter and more sustainable spaces for our community.
You’ll be joining a multi‑award winning team, recognised with the Times Higher Education Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership’. As our Head of Campus Operations, you’ll play a key role in shaping how our campuses function day to day by helping to ensure estate services are delivered effectively and consistently across our campuses. You’ll lead the delivery of essential services that keep our environments safe, always with a focus on creating the best possible experience for our students, staff and visitors. You’ll also support the continued development of well‑managed campus environments by ensuring that cleaning, grounds and waste management services are well managed, helping us deliver our Strategy 2030 and net zero commitments.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the effective use of space across the estate through digital estate technology.
- Work closely with colleagues and contractors to ensure services are well coordinated and safely delivered across a live campus environment.
- Support effective contract and performance management, helping teams deliver consistent, reliable services.
- Embed a proactive approach to safety and compliance, including risk management and statutory requirements.
What You’ll Bring
- You’ll bring experience of operational resource management within a customer‑focused environment, along with strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills to build trusted relationships.
- You’ll be confident using digital systems and data to support planning and decision making, helping create high quality environments for our community.
- Experience of managing contracts and working with suppliers to deliver safe, effective services.
- A strong understanding of, and experience in the effective management, of health and safety requirements within an operational estate.
- Organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- An administrative background with a competent knowledge of computerised management systems, including use of a CAFM system for asset management and work tasking and planning.
Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?
We are a values‑driven University where innovation and creativity shape everything we do. Our community is collaborative, inclusive and ambitious – and we give you the freedom and support to explore new ideas and deliver meaningful change.
Benefits
- 35 days annual leave plus 12 bank holiday/concessionary days.
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
- Excellent family‑friendly policies.
- Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
- Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.
- Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.
Head of Campus Operations in Cardiff employer: Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, empowering employees to contribute to meaningful change within a thriving campus environment. With generous benefits such as 35 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to excellent professional development opportunities, staff are supported in their growth while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere. Join us in our commitment to sustainability and excellence, as we work together to create outstanding experiences for our students and community.
Contact Details:
Cardiff Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Campus Operations in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Campus Operations at Cardiff Metropolitan University!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Cardiff Metropolitan University or be willing to refer you for that Head of Campus Operations position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Cardiff Metropolitan University who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Campus Operations star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Campus Operations role at Cardiff Metropolitan University!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Campus Operations in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff Metropolitan University
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
