At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a high-profile European programme tackling urban challenges and promoting innovation.
- Company: Globally recognised higher education institution with an outstanding reputation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, excellent pension, annual leave, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with significant influence over programme success.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on society while leading a flagship international initiative.
- Qualifications: Extensive operational leadership experience, ideally in higher education or public sector.
The predicted salary is between 53949 - 62160 £ per year.
We are proud to be partnering with a globally recognised higher education institution, who are looking to appoint a Head of Operations to join a high-profile, externally funded leadership initiative on an initial 12-month fixed-term basis, with a further 24 months available after that. The salary bracket on offer is £53,949 - £62,160, with the potential to progress to £69,073 and an annual cost of living increase from 1st August 2026.
Our client is an internationally renowned university with an outstanding reputation for research, education and public policy. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading the operational delivery of an ambitious European programme that brings together city leaders, academics and strategic partners to tackle urban challenges, promote innovation and develop future civic leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced operational leader to join a collaborative and purpose-driven environment where they will have significant influence over the delivery, governance and long-term success of a flagship international initiative.
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Leading the operational strategy, infrastructure and business continuity of the programme
- Providing oversight of governance, compliance, financial management and risk
- Managing programme budgets, forecasting and resource planning
- Leading and developing the operations function to deliver a high-performing service
- Building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, funding bodies and external partners
- Driving continuous improvement across operational systems and processes
- Supporting the successful mobilisation of new projects and programme initiatives
Experience required:
- Extensive operational leadership experience within a complex organisation, ideally higher education, research or the public sector
- Experience overseeing large-scale, multi-stakeholder programmes
- Strong background in financial oversight, governance and compliance
- Experience managing and developing high-performing teams
Skills, knowledge and expertise required:
- Exceptional organisational and leadership skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities
- Strong commercial and financial awareness
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery
Rewards and Benefits:
- Hybrid working arrangements
- Excellent pension and annual leave package
- Outstanding learning and development opportunities
- Opportunity to contribute to an internationally recognised programme with meaningful societal impact
Please note that you will require recent, relevant experience to be considered for this opportunity.
Contact Details:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
