Head of Operations

About Us

The UCL Ear Institute, part of the Faculty of Brain Sciences, is internationally recognised as the UK's leading multidisciplinary centre for research into hearing and deafness. It brings together world-leading academics, clinicians and healthcare scientists working across hearing, balance and ENT care. In partnership with the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, the Institute forms Europe's largest grouping of audio-vestibular researchers and clinical scientists.

The Institute offers a collaborative research environment spanning genetics, biophysics, cell biology, computational neuroscience, cognition and clinical neuroscience. It also delivers specialist undergraduate and postgraduate courses in audiology and hearing sciences, postgraduate research degrees, and continuing professional development for healthcare professionals.

Our vibrant community includes around 75 academic, research, technical and professional services staff, 25 PhD students and more than 100 MSc and BSc students.

About the Role

UCL is seeking an exceptional operational leader to join the Ear Institute as its next Head of Operations.

As a member of the Institute's Strategic Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Director, Professor Jennifer Linden, providing strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the Institute's activities and supporting a community delivering world-leading research and education.

You will lead a professional services team of 11 staff, with direct line management responsibility for four team members, second-line management oversight of a further four staff through those managers, and matrix management responsibility for the remaining three team members.

This diverse role spans strategic planning, finance, education and student support, human resources, facilities and infrastructure management, and support for major research initiatives. You will drive service improvement, contribute to Faculty and UCL-wide priorities, and help ensure the Institute continues to thrive in a complex and highly regulated environment.

The successful candidate will play a visible role in shaping the future direction of the Institute, translating academic ambition into operational delivery, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture, and supporting the long-term sustainability and success of the department.

The role is based at the Ear Institute, Gray's Inn Road, London, with hybrid working arrangements in line with UCL's Ways of Working framework. Given the operational complexity of the Institute and its specialist facilities, the postholder is expected to maintain a significant on-site presence.

Interviews will be held on 24 November 2026.

For an informal discussion, please contact Professor Jennifer Linden at (j.linden@ucl.ac.uk)

About You

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative leader with a strong track record of operational leadership, strategic planning, financial management and organisational change.

You will be skilled at building effective relationships, influencing senior stakeholders and providing clear, evidence-based advice to support decision-making. Strong communication, analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.

Experience within higher education, research, healthcare or another complex knowledge-intensive environment would be advantageous.

Most importantly, you will be committed to creating an inclusive, supportive culture that enables staff and students to thrive.

Customer advert reference: B02-11104

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