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- Tasks: Lead university operations, drive innovation, and manage transformation initiatives.
- Company: The University of Leeds is a top UK institution known for academic excellence and impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team focused on making a positive impact in society and education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in large organisations, with a focus on operational delivery and change management.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community in a city committed to economic and social responsibility.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest higher education institutions, renowned globally for the quality of our teaching and research. We encourage enquiry, discovery, and achievement by bringing together academic excellence and an inspirational learning environment. Our ambitions are underpinned by an outstanding community of staff and students, a world-class campus and a strong financial position. The University also plays a key role at the heart of one of the UK’s most economically vibrant and compassionate cities, taking its economic, social, environmental and cultural responsibilities very seriously.
Our University Strategy 2020-2030 ‘Universal Values, Global Change’ sets a blueprint for a values-driven university that harnesses our expertise in research and education to help shape a better future for humanity, working through collaboration to tackle inequalities, achieve societal impact and drive change in genuinely distinctive and transformational ways.
We are seeking a Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Operations, Change and Innovation). This role is a senior leader in the organisation, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for ensuring effective university-wide operations, including delivery of transformation, continuous improvement and efficient and effective professional support for colleagues. The role provides strategic leadership and management across Faculty Operations in our seven Faculties and leads the Transformation Office which oversees all major organisational and IT change programmes.
Working in partnership with the COO leadership team and senior colleagues from across the University, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer is responsible for prompting and driving innovation across the COO portfolio and the wider Professional Services, to ensure we deliver efficient, effective and user-focused services to our staff and student community. The role works in close partnership with our academic community and is grounded in a philosophy of active partnership and cross-functional working.
The successful candidate will be a strategic and innovative leader with a proven ability to lead high performing teams and individuals with responsibility for complex and wide-ranging services that support both students and academic staff. You will have a strong orientation around large scale organisational, process and systems change, and significant experience of driving operational delivery in a large complex institution. You will be an experienced, values-led leader with a good understanding of how to build capability and confidence around change and service delivery within a diverse, highly collaborative organisation.
Our University wants to make a difference to the world, and this boldness and ambition makes it a dynamic place to work, with a genuine desire to innovate at its heart. Our commitment to transformational change across the University will improve the experience of our students and colleagues and make us fit for the future.
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Leeds' strategic goals and values. Understanding their 'Universal Values, Global Change' strategy will help you align your vision and demonstrate how your leadership style can contribute to their mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the University, especially those in senior operational roles. This can provide you with insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led change initiatives in large organisations. Highlighting your experience in driving operational delivery and managing complex services will showcase your suitability for the Deputy Chief Operating Officer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of collaboration between academic and professional services. Be ready to share strategies you've employed to foster cross-functional partnerships, as this is a key aspect of the role at the University of Leeds.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer position. Familiarise yourself with the University of Leeds' mission and values, as well as their strategic goals outlined in the University Strategy 2020-2030.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in operational leadership, change management, and innovation. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead high-performing teams and drive organisational change in complex environments.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the university's values. Discuss how your background aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in terms of transformation and service delivery.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your application is clear, concise, and professionally presented, as this reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Understand the University’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with the University of Leeds' strategy and values, especially the 'Universal Values, Global Change' initiative. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their mission to drive change and tackle inequalities.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Experience
Highlight specific examples from your past roles where you successfully led large-scale organisational changes. Discuss the strategies you employed and the outcomes achieved, demonstrating your ability to manage complex transformations.
✨Emphasise Collaborative Leadership
Since the role involves working closely with various faculties and teams, illustrate your experience in fostering collaboration. Share instances where you built partnerships across departments to achieve common goals, showcasing your ability to lead in a diverse environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may require you to solve hypothetical challenges related to operations and innovation. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as they will likely assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.