At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations in Biomedical Services, ensuring high-quality animal care and compliance.
- Company: Join the prestigious University of Oxford, a leader in biomedical research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, childcare services, and more.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal and career development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biomedical services while making a real impact on animal welfare.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
Head of Strategic Operations The University of Oxford is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Strategic Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across our Biomedical Services animal facilities.
Biomedical Services supports world-leading biomedical research across six University facilities, providing high-quality animal care while maintaining rigorous standards of welfare, compliance and service delivery.
Reporting to the Director and joining the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape the strategic direction of our operations and lead the delivery of consistent, high-quality services across multiple sites.
You will have a key role in embedding new ways of working and developing resilient, efficient and sustainable services for the future.
With experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams, you will have the ability to translate strategic priorities into effective operational delivery.
You will be a collaborative and influential leader, providing leadership to our Operational Leads, championing a strong culture of care, ensuring animal welfare and regulatory compliance remain central to everything we do.
With excellent stake holder management, you will be able to build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
This is an exciting opportunity to take on an influential leadership role, shaping the future of Biomedical Services.
For more information, please click on the document below.
- What We Offer We offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits, they include;
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days annual leave including public bank holidays.
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan schemes
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
- Discounted bus travel and Season ticket travel loans.
The department is committed in supporting and developing our staff and opportunities which staff are encouraged to make the most of to enhance their personal and career development.
Application Process Applications should be made online.
Please explaining how you meet the job requirements with details of two referees as part of your online application.
The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description.
Owing to the nature of this position any offer of employment with the University will be subject to a satisfactory security screening.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 21 November 2026.
Contact Person : HR Assistant Vacancy ID : 189618Contact Phone : Closing Date & Time : 21-Nov-2026 12:00Pay Scale : STANDARD GRADE 10Contact Email : personnel@bms. ox. ac. uk
Head of Strategic Operations in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Operations in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Strategic Operations at University of Oxford!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like University of Oxford or be willing to refer you for that Head of Strategic Operations position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from University of Oxford who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Strategic Operations star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Strategic Operations role at University of Oxford!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Operations in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at University of Oxford. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at University of Oxford. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
