At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage business operations in a dynamic university environment.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a vibrant community shaping culture and society.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, flexible working, and health perks.
- Other info: Encouraging diverse applicants and offering excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Grow your career while making a real impact in education and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in business support and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 34335 - 41965 £ per year.
Application Closing Date: Monday, 03 August 2026
Operations Manager (two posts) - one post in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities AND one post in the School of Design and Creative Arts
Full-time and open-ended Hybrid: A minimum of 3 days in the office per week, with 1/2 days remote working by agreement with the Head(s) of Operations.
Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University. Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
The School of Social Sciences and Humanities AND the School of Design and Creative Arts are each seeking to appoint an Operations Manager to support and manage their respective Business Operation team and the broad range of activities they cover. You will work closely with the Head of Operations to lead a wide range of operational support activities and provide management information to support strategic decision-making. In this wide-ranging and fluid role, you will be at the core of business activities and decision-making.
About the University:
Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society. At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.
About the Departments:
The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a diverse and inclusive School delivering excellence in learning and teaching, research, and enterprise across the Social Sciences and Humanities. Inter-disciplinarity and international encounters are fostered across six departments: Communication and Media; Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy; English; Geography and Environment; International Relations, Politics and History; and Law. The School of Design and Creative Arts pride themselves on the real-world context behind their teaching, enterprise, and research initiatives. Their blend of creativity, ethics and rigour for real-world benefit is at the heart of who they are. Their purpose is to create physical and digital experiences and interactions which benefit people, society, culture, the economy and the environment.
About You:
You should be a creative, enthusiastic and highly organised individual with proven experience in leading business support service activities. You should be able to manage a variety of ongoing projects, to proactively prioritise tasks and strategically plan-ahead for the long-term. You should be a people person and have experience of working with people at all levels of the organisation.
Why should you Apply?
With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow. If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries should be directed to:
- School of Social Sciences and Humanities: Nicola Orridge
- School of Design and Creative Art: Julie Turner
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Application Process:
For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. Staff from under-represented groups in higher education, including those from racialised minorities, who have a physical or invisible disability, or are neurodivergent, are particularly encouraged to apply. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact.
Closing Date: midnight on 3rd August 2026
Interview Date: Thursday, 20th August 2026
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Our Benefits:
- Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Operations Manager, Loughborough in Shepshed employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of advanced battery technologies. With a strong commitment to employee growth, this PhD studentship provides not only comprehensive funding but also extensive training opportunities, making it an ideal environment for aspiring researchers to thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in climate-resilient energy solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager, Loughborough in Shepshed
✨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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough 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, Loughborough in Shepshed
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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough University
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Loughborough 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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough 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 Loughborough University as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
