Head of Operations - Commercial

About the role:

Are you a commercially astute operations leader ready to shape the financial and contracting infrastructure of a new unit at one of the world's top universities?

This is a pivotal senior leadership role within Imperial College London's Lifelong Learning department, sitting at the heart of a period of significant growth and transformation. As Head of Operations – Commercial, you will hold primary accountability for revenue collection, financial reporting, and client contract management — translating ambitious five-year strategic plans into robust, scalable operational systems. Reporting to the Director of Operations & Programme Delivery, you will act as the principal operational authority for commercial governance across Lifelong Learning, deputising for the Director where appropriate.

What you would be doing:

You will lead and develop a dedicated sub-team, driving excellence across three core areas:

• Revenue Collection & Financial Reporting — You will lead all revenue collection activity across Lifelong Learning, working with colleagues in central finance teams to own the end-to-end financial reporting cycle, including monthly income and expenditure reporting, P&L statements, and consolidated forecasts for the senior leadership team. You will lead annual budget planning, ensure data integrity, and provide strategic financial analysis to inform senior decision-making.
• Client Contract Management — You will act as a senior advisor on all contractual matters, working closely with the Legal & Regulatory Affairs team to ensure contracts are commercially sound, legally compliant, and aligned with Imperial's policies. You will manage the Contracts Coordinator and oversee due diligence processes, maintaining and developing Lifelong Learning's contract and relationship management framework within Imperial’s wider governance structure.
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement — You will manage and develop the Operations Manager – Commercial and the Contracts Coordinator, building a high-performing team culture rooted in customer service, efficiency, and expertise. You will champion innovation, drive cross-functional collaboration, and lead on systems and process improvements to support sustainable growth.

What we are looking for:

• Extensive experience in a commercial organisation or business unit leading financial management, contracting, and/or commercial operations
• A proven track record of introducing and scaling new processes and operational plans
• Strong staff management skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and lead a professional team
• Extensive experience managing financial resources, preparing budgets, and producing management reports to support strategic decision-making
• Experience negotiating commercial contracts and managing customer-focused services
• Familiarity with CRM or data management systems (Salesforce preferred)
• Knowledge of the international lifelong learning or executive education market
• An understanding of university governance, reputational considerations, and strategic priorities
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills at all levels
• Degree-level education or equivalent professional qualification or experience

What we can offer you:

• The chance to shape and grow a commercially ambitious department at a genuinely exciting moment in its development
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.

Further Information

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Kate Forman, k.forman@imperial.ac.uk.

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