At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations, finance, and strategic planning for a prestigious research centre.
- Company: Renowned social science research centre within a leading UK university.
- Benefits: Flexible working, exposure to top academics, and opportunity to shape strategy.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during an exciting phase of growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on research with societal significance in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in operations, budget management, and team development.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Working closely with the Director and senior leadership team, the post-holder will oversee business operations, finance, governance, people management and strategic planning, enabling researchers and professional services colleagues to achieve ambitious objectives.
This is a highly visible position requiring a commercially minded and collaborative leader who can balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational delivery.
Client Details
Our client is a prestigious, internationally recognised social science research centre based within a leading UK university.
With a reputation for academic excellence and global reach, the organisation is entering an exciting phase of growth and development and is seeking an exceptional operational leader to support its continued success.
Description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the operational management of the research centre, ensuring efficient and effective business processes.
- Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the centre's long-term objectives.
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation.
- Ensure compliance with university policies, funding requirements and relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Manage governance processes, reporting cycles and committee activities.
- Lead and develop professional services staff, fostering a high-performance and inclusive culture.
- Support grant management and research funding activities in collaboration with academic colleagues.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across systems, processes and working practices.
- Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies, partners and collaborators.
- Identify operational risks and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Support strategic projects, organisational change initiatives and business planning activities.
- Profile
Person Specification
- Significant experience in a senior operational, business management or professional services leadership role.
- Experience of managing budgets, financial planning and resource management.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Experience of governance, compliance and risk management processes.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience within higher education, research institutes or grant-funded environments.
- Job Offer
- Opportunity to contribute to research with significant societal impact.
- Influential leadership role within a high-profile and respected organisation.
- Collaborative and intellectually stimulating working environment.
- Exposure to internationally recognised academics and research networks.
- Broad remit with genuine opportunity to shape strategy and operations.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
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Head of Operations in London employer: Michael Page Business Support
As a progressive higher education provider, our organisation is dedicated to widening access to education through innovative partnerships, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful work. We offer a collaborative and supportive environment that fosters professional development and career progression, alongside competitive salaries and flexible working arrangements. Join us to engage with senior stakeholders and contribute to our ambitious growth strategy while building a global network in the education sector.
Contact Details:
Michael Page Business Support Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨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 Operations at Michael Page Business Support!
✨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 Michael Page Business Support or be willing to refer you for that Head of 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 Michael Page Business Support who’s on the lookout for their next Head of 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 Operations role at Michael Page Business Support!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
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 Michael Page Business Support. 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 Michael Page Business Support
✨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 Michael Page Business Support. 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!
