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- Tasks: Lead and oversee professional services to support the University’s strategic goals.
- Company: Join the University of Dundee, a leading UK university with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive policies, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and strong strategic thinking skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team in a friendly, affordable city.
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 COO 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 will include:
- Lead and coordinate major professional service areas, including Student Services, Research & Innovation Services, External Relations, Globalisation, and Strategic Planning & Insight
- 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 - UOD2136 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 - UOD2136 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. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the University of Dundee and understanding its values and goals. We want you to show how your experience aligns with their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic leadership and operational oversight skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. We suggest focusing on your track record of service transformation and stakeholder management to impress the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend reiterating your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to the University’s strategic objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer - UOD2136 in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the COO role. We want to see how you can lead and transform services, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key player in our University Executive Group, it’s crucial to demonstrate your senior leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and built collaborative relationships in previous roles.
Be Authentic: We value integrity and inclusivity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Don’t just list your skills; tell us about your commitment to equality, diversity, and people-centred leadership.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us without any hiccups, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
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 fosters collaboration and inclusivity. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through change and improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare scenarios where you’ve had to make tough decisions or drive service transformation, highlighting your judgement and stakeholder management abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the university’s future plans and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the institution aligns with your values and vision.
