Operations Manager

Location: The Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford OX2 6AH

About the role

The Faculty of History is seeking an experienced and proactive Operations Manager to play a key leadership role in one of the world's leading history faculties. Based in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, this is an exciting opportunity to shape and enhance the Faculty's operational services, working closely with academic and professional services colleagues to ensure the smooth and effective running of a large, complex and research-intensive department.

Reporting to the Head of Administration and Finance, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a broad portfolio, including governance, research support and finance, communications, Faculty operations, compliance and health and safety. You will lead several professional services teams, drive continuous improvement, and help deliver high-quality services that support the Faculty's teaching, research and public engagement activities. You will also deputise for the Head of Administration and Finance, contributing to strategic planning and business continuity across the Faculty.

To support in-person teaching and learning and in-line with other professional roles within the Faculty, the role will require a minimum of three days per week onsite working.

About you

You will be an experienced operational leader with excellent organisational, analytical and people management skills. You will have a track record of leading teams, improving services and managing competing priorities within a complex organisation, ideally within higher education or another large public sector environment.

You will be confident building relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, able to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels, and comfortable working across diverse areas of responsibility. Experience of governance, research administration, compliance, project management or organisational change would be advantageous, together with a commitment to delivering high-quality professional services and fostering a collaborative working environment.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the University of Oxford online recruitment system.

Please upload:

• A current CV.
• A supporting statement explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet each of the selection criteria outlined in the job description.

Only applications submitted online and received before noon Friday 7th August 2026 will be considered.

Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. You may also receive updates on the status of your application via the same means.

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