At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate the operations team to ensure efficient support for the School.
- Company: The University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse community.
- Benefits: 41 days annual leave, flexible working, generous pension, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Join a Disability Confident Employer committed to staff development and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in managing teams in a professional setting.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 47389 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do.
Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university.
We offer a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to development and wellbeing, and many retail discounts.
Overview
As Operations Manager you will work closely with the School Manager to lead a wide range of operational support activities essential to the efficient and effective running of the School.
You will manage the operations team and the broad range of activities they cover, including executive support, HR and staffing, estates, health and safety, business continuity, and where applicable, reception services.
Strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to lead, develop and motivate a team are essential.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Deputise for the School Manager as required, including attending relevant meetings and leading on strategic initiatives.
- Lead and motivate the School’s operations team to ensure delivery of high‑quality support for executive support, HR and staffing, estates, health and safety, business continuity, information management and, where applicable, reception services.
- Partner with HR to manage staff contracts, recruitment, the Staff Review and Development Scheme, promotion processes, and liaise with the Faculty HR team as needed.
- Lead all estates matters on behalf of the School, partnering with Estates and Facilities Management, resolving issues and providing project management support.
- Support optimisation and effective utilisation of post‑award research funds, including management of complex grants and large portfolios (optional).
- Lead Information Management processes for the School, develop the information asset register, ensure compliance with University regulations and legislation, and line‑manage the School’s Information Champion.
- Strategic oversight of business continuity management, leading the development and implementation of arrangements within the School.
- Lead on annual academic workload planning for the School, liaising with colleagues.
- Take delegated responsibility for budget management from the School Manager where agreed and appropriate.
- Support One University activities in the School, including work around Athena Swan accreditation.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
- Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).
- Previous experience in a professional role, ideally within higher education or a similar environment.
- Experience of successfully managing and motivating a team and aligning day‑to‑day work and goals with local priorities.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate productively with staff at all levels and explain complex information clearly.
- Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities within required deadlines.
- A creative and flexible approach to problem‑solving, with an appreciation of longer‑term implications.
- Experience of high‑quality administrative and business support within a complex organisation, including evidence of implementing service improvements.
- Excellent customer service skills, with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to enquiries.
- Experience of working flexibly and collegiately to achieve strategic aims.
- Understanding of higher education policy and operational environment, and knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards.
We are a Disability Confident Employer.
- Additional Information
- Grade: 7
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Line manager: School Manager
- Direct reports: School Executive Assistant
• Benefits include
- Minimum of 41 days annual leave (including bank holiday and closure days), with the option to purchase more.
- Flexi‑working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- A generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of retail discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- Access to staff networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e. g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
- Commitment to development: access to learning and mentoring schemes integrated with the Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- Family‑friendly policies such as paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support through menopause, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.
For informal enquiries about this job contact Christie Harrison, School Manager ( ).
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Contact Details:
The University of Sheffield Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Sheffield
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at The University of Sheffield. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
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How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
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A full-time HR role at The University of Sheffield will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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