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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform professional services to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
- Company: University of Dundee, a leading UK university with a vibrant and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Family-friendly policies, diverse staff networks, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the university's strategic objectives and community.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience and a proven track record in operational excellence.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team in a friendly, affordable city with rich heritage.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The University of Dundee is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across a broad portfolio of professional services. Reporting to the Principal & Vice‑Chancellor, the Chief Operating Officer is a key member of the University Executive Group and plays a central role in ensuring the effective delivery of services that support the University’s strategic objectives. This permanent appointment follows an interim arrangement and is critical to maintaining stability, performance and alignment across the institution.
Your Priorities
- Lead the reorganisation of the Professional Service to deliver high‑quality services efficiently and to an agreed standard.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Principal and a core contributor to UEG decision‑making.
- Ensure operational services are aligned with institutional strategy and delivered efficiently and effectively.
- Drive continuous improvement, organisational performance and service excellence.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across academic and professional services communities.
Who We’re Looking For
- Substantial senior leadership experience in a complex organisation.
- A strong track record of operational leadership and service transformation.
- Excellent strategic thinking, judgement and stakeholder management skills.
- High levels of integrity, political awareness and inclusive leadership capability.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, sustainability and people‑centred leadership.
We are one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our main city‑centre campus is at the heart of Dundee – an up‑and‑coming, friendly, compact and affordable city with a rich heritage in design and technology. We also have campuses at Ninewells Hospital and in Kirkcaldy which are easily accessible via local transport links. The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.
Chief Operating Officer in Dundee employer: University of Dundee
Contact Detail:
University of Dundee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Dundee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the university's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their strategic objectives. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the COO role. We want to see how your background fits with our strategic objectives and operational needs.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Emphasise your substantial senior leadership experience in complex organisations. We’re looking for examples of how you've driven service transformation and improved organisational performance in your previous roles.
Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Use your application to illustrate your strategic thinking and judgement skills. We want to know how you’ve made decisions that have positively impacted your organisation and how you can contribute to our University Executive Group.
Be Authentic and Inclusive: Highlight your commitment to equality, diversity, and people-centred leadership. We value authenticity, so let us see your personality shine through while demonstrating your inclusive leadership capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Dundee
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the University of Dundee's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their strategic objectives will help you align your experience with what they’re looking for in a COO.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with inclusive leadership. Share specific examples of how you've driven service transformation and built collaborative relationships in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and judgement. Prepare scenarios where you successfully led operational changes or improved service delivery, highlighting your problem-solving skills and decision-making process.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
The University values diversity and inclusion, so be sure to express your commitment to these principles. Discuss how you’ve fostered an inclusive environment in past roles and how you plan to continue this at the University of Dundee.
