Chief Operating Officer

The University of Bath is seeking to appoint an outstanding Chief Operating Officer (COO) at a defining moment in its development. Largely located on a single, purpose-built campus overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, the University of Bath is consistently ranked as a top ten UK university with a strong international reputation for academic excellence, student experience, and graduate outcomes. As the University enters its next strategic chapter through Strategy 2036, it is focused on strengthening the operational foundations that will enable confident delivery, disciplined investment, and long-term sustainability.

The Chief Operating Officer is a core member of the University Executive Board and a strategic partner to the Vice-Chancellor & President. This is a transformative leadership opportunity, far beyond maintenance or stewardship. Bath is seeking a leader who is motivated by public purpose, who brings strong strategic and commercial capability; who can operate with credibility, pace, and authenticity in a values-led, intellectually rigorous environment; and who can integrate digital, estates, services, people, and resources into a coherent operating platform that enables excellence in education, research, and innovation.

The COO holds executive responsibility for a broad and integrated portfolio, including Digital Services and Technology, Campus Infrastructure, Campus Services, Sustainability and Space Management, Sports, and University Library.

The University of Bath is seeking a senior executive leader with:

• Significant experience leading complex operations and large-scale change
• Strong commercial expertise and judgement
• Credibility to operate and influence at Executive and Governing-body level
• A track record of delivery through others, building strong leadership teams
• The ability to raise pace and performance while fostering trust and confidence and sustaining institutional values

Candidates from outside higher education who bring a strong commercial background and lead operations within other complex, regulated, or mission-led environments are actively encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate alignment with the University’s public purpose and values. The University of Bath is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes expressions of interest from relevant leaders of all backgrounds and across all protected characteristics. Bath is proud to be an autism-friendly university and an accredited Disability Confident Leader.

How to express interest:

The University of Bath is partnering with Coston Search on this appointment, which will be led by Dr Micah Coston, Founder & Managing Director. To express interest, please submit a CV to: BathCOO@costonsearch.com. Submissions constitute an expression of interest rather than a formal application. Should Coston Search wish to pursue the conversation, they will be in touch. Closing date: 19 February 2026.

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