Head of Operations - College of Medicine and Health
Join to apply for the Head of Operations - College of Medicine and Health - 54672 - Grade 8 role at University of Birmingham.
Job Description
College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full-time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression to £63,606
Grade: 8
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 18th November 2025
Background
The Head of Operations is a senior administrative leadership role within the College of Medicine and Health (CMH), responsible for delivering high-quality operational and strategic support to the Head of School. The role ensures effective local delivery of professional services, supports the implementation of College and University strategies, and contributes to continuous improvement across administrative functions.
Role Summary
The Head of Operations will be responsible for actively leading the delivery of a high quality, professional administrative function within the School of Medical Sciences. He/she will support the Head of School, members of the School management team and work with College staff to shape and influence the strategic direction of the School. He/she will devise objectives, plans and strategies to respond to School, College and University aims, initiating and contributing to School, College and University projects.
Main Duties
Strategic Planning and Leadership
* Support the Head of School and senior management in developing and delivering strategic objectives and business plans.
* Ensure that the School’s Professional Services meets current and future needs, embedding quality of service and professionalism across the School.
* Provide effective leadership and management of the School’s Operational Professional Services, reviewing workloads, resources and training needs.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for governance and compliance matters.
* Liaise with other College Heads of Operations to coordinate action and share good practice.
* Monitor performance indicators and management information to inform strategic decisions.
* Lead on significant strategic developments and staff recruitment campaigns.
* As directed by the Head of School, lead on significant strategic developments within the School.
Operational and Financial Management
* Oversee day-to-day operations including HR, compliance, and administrative services.
* Maintain strategic oversight of School and Departmental budgets and cost efficiencies.
* Work with Head of School on budgeting and forecasting to align with College and University targets.
* Champion continuous improvement and service excellence across CMH operations.
* Provide professional administrative support to the Head of School across HR activities.
* Lead School HR processes, liaise with HR and external stakeholders, manage staffing requests.
* Promote staff wellbeing, hybrid working, and cross-team collaboration.
* Ensure induction, probation, annual review, and promotion procedures are implemented.
* Champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the School.
* Utilise technology to enhance operational efficiency.
* Implement new systems and stay informed of sector trends.
Collaboration
* Foster collaboration with various departments.
* Ensure seamless integration of operational services across the College.
* Lead specific projects or workstreams within the College.
Additional Information
* Any other duties appropriate to the grade of the role.
* Act as primary contact for governance matters.
* Represent CMH in University committees and strategic forums.
* May require occasional flexibility and reassignment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to degree standard and/or evidence of sustained professional development.
Experience
* Proven capability of leading and managing teams across different areas.
* Relevant significant operational management experience in complex organisations, higher education inclusive.
* Significant people, financial and project management experience.
* Experience championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
* Strong leadership, organisational and time-management skills.
* High-level communication and reporting skills.
* Ability to manage workload and priorities under pressure.
* Experience of implementing strategic change and measurable outcomes.
Skills and Abilities
* Strategic Thinking – develop and implement long-term operational strategies.
* Leadership – inspire and manage a diverse team.
* Problem-Solving – identify issues and develop solutions.
* Communication – excellent communication skills.
* Adaptability – navigate and adapt to changing environments.
* Collaboration – work collaboratively with other university stakeholders.
#J-18808-Ljbffr