Head of Operations

Full Time, Open ended

Are you a strategic thinker, passionate about driving innovation, and skilled in managing change?

Join us as the Head of Operations in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, the world leader in sport-related subjects, ranked No.1 in the QS World University Rankings for nine years in a row (2017-2025). In this pivotal role, you'll support the delivery of the school’s strategy and help coordinate its key operational areas. You'll be an integral part of the School’s senior team, working collaboratively with colleagues and the Dean to progress school objectives and contribute to the University’s wider goals.

Our expertise spans the fields of biomechanics, cellular and molecular biology, economics, medicine, nutrition, pedagogy, physiology, psychology, sociology, sport management and more. Our world-leading Research and Innovation activity is driving understanding of the importance of sport and exercise science in the context of public health.

About Us

Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society. At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.

About You: 

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, direct, and influence teams.
• Have extensive experience in senior administration or a similar professional role, in Higher Education or a large complex organisation.
• Have experience of driving high level of performance and promoting a role modelling culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and workplace wellbeing.
• You’ll able to demonstrate experience in shaping and delivering organisations strategies and effective resource planning, including finances and estates/ facilities.
• You can set clear direction and inspire people to achieve, including the ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders both internally and externally.

If this sounds like the right place and role for you, please do get in touch! We’d love to hear from you. 

For an informal discussion contact Professor Lauren Sherar (dean-ssehs@lboro.ac.uk), Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Application Process

For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application.

Closing Date: Sunday 30th November 2025

Interview Date: Tuesday 13th January 2026

In return, we offer you a great place to work, with friendly co-workers and a generous employment package.

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include: 

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus.

Financial wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and your family – on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options, and a range of family-friendly policies.

Health and wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability – access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting. 

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.