Head of Strategic Operations

About us

About UCL Institute of Education

Founded in 1902, UCL Institute of Education has been shaping policy and helping government, organisations and individuals navigate a changing society for the last 120 years. We embrace collaboration and excellence to create a future that is inclusive and just, and have been ranked number one for education every year since 2014 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

About the Centre for Educational Leadership

The Centre for Educational Leadership is an established and distinctive centre within the IOE’s Department of Learning and Leadership with around 70 staff. CEL aims to be the first port of call for educational leadership and innovation in the UK and, increasingly, the world.

CEL’s research, teaching and knowledge transfer work reflects a commitment to applied academic rigour. It aims to:

• Develop criticality: build evidence-based, theory-informed and innovative approaches to policy and practice
• Deepen learning: broaden perspectives and forge connections between theory, policy and practice
• Nurture collaboration: encourage shared thinking, collaboration within, across and beyond communities of learners
• Activate knowledge: develop and mobilise knowledge and understanding within organisations and systems
• Enhance equity: promote understanding about and action around equity and social justice

Information about Centre for Educational Leadership can be found on the Institute of Education’s website.

About the role

The main purpose of this important role is to lead CEL’s operational strategy and delivery, driving efficiency, compliance, and innovation across multiple high-profile programmes. The post holder will oversee digital and data infrastructure, financial governance, and workforce planning, ensuring that CEL meets both UCL and DfE contractual obligations while enabling sustainable, high-quality delivery.

Working at the intersection of strategy, delivery, and governance, the post holder will lead on the development of operational frameworks and digital transformation initiatives that underpin CEL’s large-scale education programmes, including the Early Career Teacher Entitlement (ECTE) and National Professional Qualifications (NPQs). The role ensures that the Centre’s systems, resources, and professional services teams operate cohesively to deliver exceptional service and strategic impact.

As a senior member of CEL’s leadership team, the post holder will provide direction to a professional services workforce of approximately 30 staff, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. The role requires strong strategic oversight, sound judgement, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across UCL and with external partners, ensuring CEL remains a national leader in educational leadership delivery and operational excellence.

This post is available until 30^th August 2030 in the first instance.

Interviews are scheduled to take place in person, at the IOE, on Thursday 15th January 2026.

About you

You will have significant experience leading complex operations within Higher Education or a comparable sector along with demonstrable experience of strategic planning, risk management, and cross-organisational programme delivery.

You will also have proven leadership of multi-disciplinary professional-services/ administrative teams.

Your application form should address all the person specification points and should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria.

It is important that the criteria are clearly numbered and that you provide a response to each one.

Customer advert reference: B16-01964

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