This is a rare opportunity to lead the operations of the Vice‑Chancellor's Office, a team at the centre of decision‑making within a world‑leading university. Working closely with the Head of the Vice‑Chancellor's Office, you will shape how executive support is delivered, ensuring the Vice‑Chancellor and senior colleagues are equipped to focus on Oxford's strategic priorities. You will lead and develop a talented team, drive service excellence, and influence how a key executive function operates across a complex and globally recognised institution. No two days will be the same. You will build relationships with senior stakeholders across the University, coordinate activity across competing priorities, oversee business continuity and operational planning, and identify opportunities to improve systems and ways of working.
Qualifications and Experience
- Substantial experience delivering high‑level executive support to senior leaders within a complex and high‑profile environment.
- Proven experience of leading and managing staff, including performance management, objective setting and professional development. Experience managing office operations or administrative services, including improving systems, processes and workflows to deliver excellent service.
- Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and maintain continuity of service in a time‑pressured environment.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively across a wide range of internal and external partners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience handling sensitive correspondence with diplomacy and professionalism.
- Demonstrable ability to manage confidential matters with discretion, integrity and sound judgement.
- Experience coordinating projects, activities or events involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Benefits
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your well‑being, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full‑pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full‑pay paternity/partner leave.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
