Head of Operations (Maternity Cover)

University College London (UCL)

UCL is a multi-disciplinary university with a population of over 13,000 staff and 42,000 students from 150 different countries. For more information, see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/about

UCL Engineering

Engineering Sciences comprises ten academic departments that undertake research and teaching across a wide range of disciplines. Our scientists and engineers take discoveries from fundamentals to practice, producing innovative technological solutions to challenging problems. It is a dynamic and growing faculty, with a strong vision and desire to use our talents to ‘Change the world’. For more information see www.ucl.ac.uk/engineering

About the role

Please note: This is a fixed term role until 11^th October 2027 to cover a 12 month period of Maternity Leave.

The Head of Operations (HoO) is a strategic leader who partners with the Head of Department (HoD) to translate academic vision into operational delivery, aligning departmental goals with faculty and university priorities.

The HoO leads day-to-day operations, manages budgets, contributes to resourcing decisions, and ensures high-quality support for teaching, research, and strategy. This role anchors the leadership structure, working closely with the HoD day-to-day and ensuring operational consistency and strategic alignment during times when the HoD changes.

The HoO fosters an inclusive, high-performing culture and drives collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a departmental leader, the HoO builds strong cross-university relationships and contributes to strategic initiatives

The post holder will also be required to oversee and lead day-to-day operational running of the department and support decision making through advice and guidance to the HoD and other senior leaders on university matters. With the HoD and Deputy DoO, develop and maintain the department’s organisational, operational and staffing structure.

About you

The following are some of the essential requirements for this role:

• Relevant professional experience with a high standard of education.
• Financial skills (financial management, budgeting, financial reporting and analysis)
• Experience managing change in support of institutional and local objectives
• Successful line management and development of staff with proven team leadership and motivational skills. Ability to work with and through others (matrix management)
• Interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to build trust and to influence senior colleagues and diverse stakeholder groups. Ability to exercise tact and confidentiality and display a professional attitude towards colleagues, students and others

For the full person specification, please see the attached Job Description. Please read the attached Candidate Guidance document. When completing your supporting statement please tell us, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description.

Please do not attach any copies of certificates or thesis documents. If you are successful, these will be requested later.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits.

Our commitment to Equality and Diversity

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion

Customer advert reference: B04-07636

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