At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a prestigious research centre and drive strategic initiatives.
- Company: Renowned social science research centre within a leading UK university.
- Benefits: Flexible working, exposure to top academics, and opportunity for impactful contributions.
- Other info: Join a high-profile organisation with a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of research with significant societal impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.
About Our Client
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.
Job 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.
The Successful Applicant 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.
What's on 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.
Head of Operations employer: Michael Page International
Michael Page is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and development. With a strong focus on mentoring and team collaboration, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and a competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses. Joining this multinational organisation means being part of a high-growth team dedicated to delivering exceptional tax compliance services across diverse sectors.
Contact Details:
Michael Page International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Michael Page International. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Michael Page International.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Michael Page International.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Michael Page International and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page International
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Michael Page International will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Michael Page International.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Michael Page International.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Michael Page International. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
