School Operations Manager

Vacancy ID

12137

College/Exec Group

Central Saint Martins

Location

CSM - King's Cross, London UK

Salary

£51, £62,433.00 per annum

Contract

Permanent

Hours

35 hours

Apply by

23 November 2025, 11:55 pm

The opportunity
If you have substantial higher education operations management experience and are ready to advance your career, this is a fantastic opportunity to join our team at Central Saint Martins, part of University of the Arts London. We are seeking an Operations Manager to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of M School, one of our three academic Schools.
You will be responsible for initiating, managing, and implementing strategic planning activities in collaboration with the Dean of School and the Head of College Operations. Your responsibilities will include leading core planning for the academic year, overseeing budget management activities, managing end-to-end HR processes, leading various projects and initiatives, and coordinating the school's operational infrastructure in partnership with other professional services teams. You will line-manage a School Administrator, overseeing workload, training and development.
Your profile
The ideal candidate will have significant experience in managing operations for a large unit in a similar role, working alongside a senior leader at the Dean level or equivalent. A deep understanding of the current Higher Education landscape, including the revenue and funding environment, is essential. Proven experience in coordinating the implementation of strategic plans, ideally within the higher education sector, is also required. The ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders will be key.
This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading educational institution where creativity thrives. If you have the skills and experience we are looking for in strategic planning, budget management, HR processes, and project management, we would love to hear from you. If you have any queries about this role, or wish to have a discussion about the specific requirements of role, please do feel free to contact Kirsten Johnson, at
If you have any queries about the application process or need any reasonable adjustments for your application, please contact the Resourcing Team at email the CSM Resourcing Team at:
We are UAL
University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.
As a University we are ranked second in the world for Art and Design. We are formed of 6 Colleges with unique histories and identities: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. UAL also has 4 Institutes, 5 Research Centres, 1 Pre-Degree School and 2 subsidiary companies delivering specialist activities.
Application process
We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.
We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.
If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours' notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.
Candidates are advised to submit applications early.