Interim Chief Operating Officer (Director of Operations)

University Executive Office

Part-Time / Fixed-Term (6 to 9 months)

A highly competitive remuneration package, commensurate with experience and the seniority of the role.

The University of Dundee is seeking to appoint an exceptional leader to the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer (Director of Operations) for a fixed term of 6 to 9 months. This pivotal role will focus on immediate institutional priorities while contributing to preparations for the open recruitment of a permanent Chief Operating Officer.

As a member of the University Executive Group (UEG), you will work closely with the Interim Principal & Vice-Chancellor, supporting the successful delivery of the University Strategy and contributing to our ongoing transformation. You will lead and support the Directors to ensure operational excellence across the institution while advancing key strategic initiatives.

Your priorities will include:

• Provide leadership and oversight of day-to-day operational delivery and strategic transformation initiatives.
• Drive the implementation of a new professional services operating model.
• Support the development of a cohesive and high-performing senior management team.
• Partner with senior colleagues to achieve marketing and student recruitment targets.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including trade unions and advisory groups, to support financial recovery and institutional reputation.
• Monitor and drive progress against strategic targets, academic plans, and performance indicators.

Who we’re looking for:

You will be a highly experienced and credible senior leader, with:

• A strong track record in strategic delivery and leading organisational change.
• Outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills, with a collaborative leadership style.
• Proven ability to lead in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex sector.
• A commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Renowned for excellence in teaching, and particularly for our wide range of professional programmes, we have an enviable reputation for the quality and impact of our research. We play a key role in the academic, civic, cultural and economic life of the city and region and are very proud of our position not just as a key player but part of the physical and social fabric of Dundee but also our role as educator, neighbour, employer, connector and cultural instigator. Our staff and students choose to work and study in Dundee because Dundee is a creative, vibrant, and hugely welcoming city with a strong spirit of discovery. In the city of Dundee the University supports 6,760 jobs and £449 million Gross Value Added (London Economics, 2022) and is a founding partner of the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s Design Museum.

The closing date for applications is Midnight on Monday 23rd June 2025.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

Create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.