Head of Operations

Head of Operations – College of Social Sciences – 106721 – Grade 8If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.Position details:College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UKFull‑time starting salary normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression to £63,606.Grade: 8Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term up to June 2027Closing date: 1st December 2025Interview date: 15th December 2025This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity, which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.Our offer to youThe University of Birmingham is proud to be recognised as a leading global university and is committed to attracting talented people, supporting their professional development, and celebrating success. We provide a sector‑leading professional programme for staff, an inclusive working culture, and flexible working arrangements. You will receive a generous benefits package that includes 40 days paid holiday, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, a pension scheme, and support for childcare through subsidised day nurseries.BackgroundBased across our world‑class campuses in Birmingham and Dubai, the College of Social Sciences (CoSS) is a global, diverse, and inclusive community of more than 12,500 students, 900 academics, and 300 professional services staff. Our four schools—Business, Education, Government, and Social Policy and Society—drive innovative research and teaching. This role will be based in the School of Social Policy and Society.Role SummaryThe Head of Operations (HoOp) is a key role within each of the College’s four schools, responsible for the operational running of the School and ensuring high‑quality, professional, and efficient service delivery of administration and support. The HoOp also plays a significant role in developing and leading professional services across the College.Main DutiesLeadershipLead and manage professional services staff within their area of responsibility, ensuring delivery of the School’s strategy and fostering positive working relationships at all levels.Lead staff through periods of change, communicating a clear and positive vision and acting as a role model.Provide ongoing development and support for direct reports through coaching and training, both formal and informal.Develop teams that consistently embody and demonstrate the University values and lead by example.Collaborate with senior professional services colleagues across the College to continuously improve operational service delivery.Strategic and OperationalPartner with College Business Partners to support the Head of School in developing the School’s strategy within the context of CoSS 2030 and the University Strategic Framework.Engage with strategic initiatives, including external partners, ensuring the required professional services contribution is made.Act as part of the College Professional Services Strategic Leadership Team to provide a link between University Professional Services, the College and the School, balancing local needs with overarching institutional objectives.Work closely with the College Finance Team and Head of School to understand the School’s operational budget and support financial planning processes.Oversee day‑to‑day operations within the School, including facilities management, security, maintenance, administrative services, and ensure appropriate health and safety procedures.Governance and ComplianceSupport the Head of School in ensuring robust governance and decision‑making structures that align with College and University levels, advising the School Executive as appropriate.Lead the school’s compliance with accreditation and regulatory bodies and manage operational aspects.Ensure excellent secretariat services to support the School’s committees, communicating decisions and ensuring follow‑up.Lead the school’s compliance with University regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines and relevant legislation.HR ManagementImplement HR strategies and procedures for school staff, including induction, succession planning, training and development, performance management, and reward mechanisms.Recruit, train, and supervise operational staff, promoting professional development and high performance.Conduct regular performance reviews and address staff concerns.Lead School HR processes by liaising with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, managing staffing requests, drafting business cases, and overseeing fixed‑term contract staff activities in partnership with HR.Technology and InnovationUtilise technology to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.Oversee the implementation of new systems and processes.Stay informed about sector trends and best practice to drive innovation.Equity, Diversity and BelongingActively promote equality, diversity and belonging, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.Citizenship and CollaborationDevelop effective working relationships with other Heads of Operations and professional services colleagues across the University.Take on projects as requested by the College Director of Operations for the benefit of the wider College and University.Perform other duties as requested, consistent with the duties commensurate with the grade.Support key university activities and projects, for example, graduations, confirmations and clearing, and be available for flexible working across the University when required.Occasional flexibility may be required to address urgent operational issues or for reassignment to other Schools based on business need.Person SpecificationQualificationsEducated to degree level (or equivalent qualifications) plus relevant operational experience in complex organisations, including higher education.SkillsProven leadership or managerial capability with a flexible and inclusive style suitable for a complex and diverse environment.High organisational skill and an agile, adaptive approach.Successful track record of building relationships across a complex organisation, with evidence of exceptional negotiating and influencing skills.Excellent communication skills, able to interact with diverse audiences.High self‑motivation, able to motivate and lead others.Digital competence, including MS 365, to succeed in an evolving digital environment.Effective conflict management and handling of sensitive or confidential issues.Knowledge and ExperienceSignificant experience of leading and developing teams.Experience of writing and presenting clear, well‑structured reports for senior management, and analysing information and data.Experience of monitoring and reporting on budgets and understanding of financial management procedures.Readiness to challenge the status quo with evidence of service excellence and continuous improvement.Commitment to people development and organisational values that underpin the University culture.Evidence of commitment to excellent service delivery.Experience in championing equity, diversity and belonging in one’s work area.Knowledge of the Higher Education environment, the national and international landscape, and its business requirements (desirable).Informal enquiries: Yvonne Hackforth‑Williams, Director of Operations, College of Social Sciences (email: ); Professor Nicola Gale, Head of School, School of Social Policy and Society (email: ).Our diversity, equity, and inclusion commitmentWe believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life.We are committed to proactively addressing barriers experienced by some groups.We hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations.Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre continuously improves the University as a fair and inclusive place to work. xpwpeyx We are committed to sustainability, a key part of our strategy.Seniority Level: ExecutiveEmployment Type: Full‑timeJob Function: Management and ManufacturingIndustry: Higher Education#J-18808-Ljbffr