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- Tasks: Lead operations for vibrant student spaces and ensure excellent service delivery.
- Company: Join SUSU, a dynamic student-led organisation enriching student life.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, great pension, and travel perks.
- Why this job: Shape the student experience and drive continuous improvement in a lively environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management and a recognised Health & Safety qualification.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity with diverse responsibilities and career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 43337 - 47325 £ per year.
This is a pivotal new role at SUSU, leading the operational delivery of our vibrant student spaces across our three buildings on Highfield Campus. As Head of Operations, you’ll ensure our facilities are safe, compliant, well‑maintained, and consistently deliver excellent service. You’ll oversee room bookings and reception, technical event support, transport operations, and sustainability initiatives, keeping services running smoothly across a busy and diverse programme of over 1,500 bookings each year. As SUSU’s lead competent person for Health & Safety, you’ll champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance across all activities, working closely with University stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to drive continuous improvement. No two days are the same — this is a fantastic opportunity to shape and enhance the student experience at scale.
About You
- Significant experience in soft facilities or operational management, including contracts and service delivery
- A recognised Health & Safety qualification, with strong experience in compliance and risk management
- Proven track record of leading teams in fast‑paced, complex environments
- A confident communicator and problem‑solver, able to build strong stakeholder relationships
- Highly organised and analytical, with the ability to balance strategic planning and hands‑on delivery
About Us
We are the University of Southampton Students' Union (SUSU) – independent from the University and run by students, for students. Our vision is simple: SUSU is here to enrich the life of every student. We are a workplace that’s buzzing with life, ideas, and opportunities – where your work directly shapes the student experience.
As part of our team, you'll enjoy:
- Salary of £43,337 to £47,325
- Generous paid holiday – 30 days per year, plus eight closure days (around Easter, August and Christmas) on top of eight bank holidays (and an opportunity to purchase up to an additional week of holiday).
- Great pension – we contribute 10% into your defined contributions pension scheme.
- Travel perks – discounted UniLink and Blue Star bus passes, a Cycle-to-Work scheme.
Apply Now
You can easily apply using your CV and covering letter by clicking on 'Apply Now'. For further information prior to submitting your application, please contact Paul Davie (Chief Operating Officer) on p.davie@soton.ac.uk, or the People Team on suhr@soton.ac.uk.
Closing Date: 19 April 2026
Interview Date: 5 May 2026
Please note feedback will not be provided if you are not shortlisted for interview. SUSU is an equal opportunities employer that values a diverse workforce and we want to reflect the student body that we represent. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination and will ensure that our recruitment activities are mindful of equality and diversity matters.
Head of Operations in Southampton employer: University of South Hampton
Contact Detail:
University of South Hampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at SUSU on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching SUSU’s values and recent initiatives. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission to enrich student life — we love candidates who are genuinely passionate about what we do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past roles where you’ve tackled challenges head-on. We want to see how you handle the fast-paced environment and keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in operational management and any relevant Health & Safety qualifications. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at SUSU!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about enhancing the student experience and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you’ve successfully solved problems in fast-paced environments. We love seeing how you tackle challenges head-on and drive continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy! Just click on 'Apply Now' and submit your CV and cover letter. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of South Hampton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Operations at SUSU. Familiarise yourself with their student spaces, the importance of health and safety, and how operational management works in a busy environment. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in facilities or operational management. Think about times when you successfully led a team, managed compliance issues, or improved service delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Be friendly, approachable, and engage in conversation. Ask insightful questions about SUSU’s operations and how they envision the role contributing to the student experience. This shows you’re not just there for the job, but also to be part of their community.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges, especially in fast-paced environments. Think of scenarios where you had to solve problems quickly or manage unexpected situations. Highlight your analytical skills and how you balance strategic planning with hands-on delivery to keep operations running smoothly.