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- Tasks: Lead operations and strategy for a pioneering research institute in digital security.
- Company: Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour, a hub of interdisciplinary innovation.
- Benefits: Generous salary, professional development, flexible work-life balance, and unique perks.
- Other info: Inclusive culture celebrating diversity with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital security while leading a diverse and dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in higher education or research, strong financial management skills.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
The Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour (IDSB) is seeking a dedicated Institute Operations Director to provide senior operational and strategic leadership for a leading interdisciplinary research institute. IDSB unites expertise across social, behavioural, computer, and data sciences to tackle the complex challenges of digital security. Working in partnership with academia, industry, government, and the public, we co-design secure, inclusive, and effective digital systems with national and global impact.
As Operations Director, you will ensure the efficient running of the Institute and support the delivery of its strategic objectives. You will provide leadership across finance, governance, operations, and people management, translating strategy into action and enabling a high-performing research environment. You will work closely with the Institute Directors and Deputy Directors and engage with senior University collaborators, external partners, and governance bodies responsible for oversight and strategic direction.
Key responsibilities:- Lead delivery and monitoring of the Institute’s strategy, including benchmarks, reporting frameworks, and operational planning.
- Ensure effective governance and compliance with University policies and external funding requirements.
- Coordinate financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and prioritisation.
- Support governance structures, including boards, committees, and advisory groups.
- Guide and grow professional services staff, ensuring strong performance and team capability.
- Coordinate operational systems, infrastructure, and physical resources, including Institute premises.
- Produce high-quality reports, briefings, and strategic documentation for internal and external audiences.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing Institute culture.
About you: You are an experienced operational leader with a proven background in higher education, research institutes, or similarly complex organisations. You are skilled at working across strategy, operations, and collaborating with partners, and you can transform plans into seamless results. You will bring:
- Demonstrated leadership background in higher education or a research setting.
- Strong financial management experience, including budget ownership and reporting.
- Experience engaging with external collaborators (e.g., funders, government, industry).
- Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills at senior level.
- Ability to guide and grow multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail in reporting and documentation.
This role is offered on a full-time (36.5 hours per week), permanent basis. Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Adam Joinson via email, however please ensure that you submit your application through the university website.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment. We’re very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.
What we can offer you: We’re continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees.
- Staff discount on language courses.
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work-life balance.
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more.
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
- Local discounts and more.
- A family-friendly workplace.
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
- Relocation allowance.
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.
Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.
Closing Date: 20 May 2026
Department: Management, Specialist and Administration
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535
Director of Operations (Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour) (KD13586) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
Contact Detail:
University of Bath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations (Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour) (KD13586) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in digital security and behaviour. Show us you’re not just a candidate, but someone who’s genuinely passionate about the field and ready to lead.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Operations Director. We want to hear how you can translate strategy into action and foster a high-performing culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations (Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour) (KD13586) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Operations role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership and how it aligns with the strategic objectives of the Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour.
Showcase Your Financial Savvy: Since financial management is key for this position, don’t forget to include specific examples of your budgeting and reporting experience. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed finances in previous roles!
Communicate Clearly: Your written application should reflect your excellent communication skills. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. We’re looking for someone who can produce high-quality reports and documentation.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through the university website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know the Institute Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour. Understand their mission, recent projects, and how they collaborate with various sectors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Operations Director, it's crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments, particularly in higher education or research settings. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and inclusivity within multidisciplinary teams.
✨Master Financial Management Insights
Given the emphasis on financial management in the role, be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Bring specific examples of how you've managed finances in previous roles, and be prepared to explain how you would ensure compliance with funding requirements.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
The interview will likely involve discussions about strategy and operational planning. Think about how you've translated strategic objectives into actionable plans in the past. Be ready to share your insights on effective governance structures and how you can contribute to the Institute's strategic direction.