At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational delivery across faculties, ensuring top-notch support for staff and students.
- Company: Lancaster University, a supportive and inclusive community focused on positive change.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, flexible working, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and staff development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 48822 - 56535 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £48,822 to £56,535 (Full-Time/Fixed-Term-Secondment)
Closing Date: Sunday 26 July 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 11 August 2026
Reference: 0517-26
Please note: this job is only available to current employees of Lancaster University. Fixed Term/Secondment until July 2027.
Lancaster University is seeking to appoint a full-time Operations Manager to provide essential support across the Faculty of Health and Medicine (FHM) and the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST). This is an exciting opportunity to lead the operational delivery of key services, ensuring effective support for academic departments and maintaining a high-quality experience for staff and students.
THE ROLE
Working closely with the Head of Faculty Operations, you will lead the operational management functions across both faculties. Your role will provide crucial oversight of core operational aspects, including resource management and departmental operations.
You Will
- Support the effective delivery of operational services across both faculties while fostering collaboration with departments.
- Translate strategic priorities into practical operational plans, monitoring performance against agreed objectives.
- Provide day-to-day leadership to Departmental Officers and Administrators, supporting performance development and workload planning.
- Collaborate with academic colleagues, professional services teams, and central functions to ensure seamless service delivery.
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational efficiency across both faculties.
This role operates in a fast-paced environment and requires strong organisational leadership, a commitment to service excellence, and an ability to manage complex operational activities across multiple departments.
About You
You will be an experienced manager with a strong background in operational management, ideally within the higher education sector or a similar complex environment.
You Will Bring
- Significant experience of managing operational delivery in a high-volume, deadline-driven setting.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams, setting high standards and effectively managing performance.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the capability to build effective relationships and inspire trust among diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience of implementing operational plans and making informed decisions within defined frameworks.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and IT skills, with the ability to leverage data to inform decision-making.
- A flexible and adaptable approach, demonstrating the ability to respond to changing priorities.
- A commitment to continuous improvement, staff development, and delivering an excellent operational experience.
The Benefits Of The Role
At Lancaster University, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative community. We work together to drive positive change and provide an outstanding experience for our students and staff.
We Offer
- Generous annual leave – 25 days (pro-rata) plus University closure days and bank holidays.
- Access to an employee pension scheme and an annual flexible benefits scheme.
- A strong commitment to promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, with family-friendly and flexible working policies tailored to individual needs.
- We are members of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognising good employment practice for women working in STEM fields in higher education and research.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Operations Manager - 0517-26 employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. As an Operations Manager, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive environment for continuous improvement, and a commitment to equality and diversity, all while contributing to the operational excellence of our esteemed faculties in the picturesque setting of Bailrigg, Lancaster.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - 0517-26
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Lancaster University.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Lancaster University.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - 0517-26
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Lancaster University.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Lancaster University. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Lancaster University, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Lancaster University, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Lancaster University could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Lancaster University as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
