Overview
Director of Operations (Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour). The Bath Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour (IDSB) is seeking a dedicated Institute Operations Director to provide senior operational and strategic leadership for a leading interdisciplinary research institute. IDSB unites expertise across social, behavioural, computer, and data sciences to tackle the complex challenges of digital security. Working in partnership with academia, industry, government, and the public, we co-design secure, inclusive, and effective digital systems with national and global impact. As Operations Director, you will ensure the efficient running of the Institute and support the delivery of its strategic objectives. You will provide leadership across finance, governance, operations, and people management, translating strategy into action and enabling a high-performing research environment. You will work closely with the Institute Directors and Deputy Directors and engage with senior University collaborators, external partners, and governance bodies responsible for oversight and strategic direction.
Responsibilities
* Lead delivery and monitoring of the Institute’s strategy, including benchmarks, reporting frameworks, and operational planning
* Ensure effective governance and compliance with University policies and external funding requirements
* Coordinate financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and prioritization
* Support governance structures, including boards, committees, and advisory groups
* Guide and grow professional services staff, ensuring strong performance and team capability
* Coordinate operational systems, infrastructure, and physical resources, including Institute premises
* Produce high-quality reports, briefings, and strategic documentation for internal and external audiences
* Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing Institute culture
About You
You are an experienced operational leader with a proven background in higher education, research institutes, or similarly complex organisations. You are skilled at working across strategy, operations, and collaborating with partners, and you can transform plans into seamless results.
You Will Bring
* Demonstrated leadership background in higher education or a research setting
* Strong financial management experience, including budget ownership and reporting
* Experience engaging with external collaborators (e.g., funders, government, industry)
* Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills at senior level
* Ability to guide and grow multidisciplinary teams
* Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail in reporting and documentation
Additional information
This role is offered on a full-time (36.5 hours per week), permanent basis.
Benefits
* Free counselling services through Health Assured
* Cycle to work scheme
* Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
* Staff discount at Team Bath gym
* Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees
* Staff discount on language courses
* Generous employer contributory pension schemes
* Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days for work-life balance
* A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more
* Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
* Local discounts and more
* A family-friendly workplace
* An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
* Relocation allowance
* Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with immigration expenses
Additional notes
We are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and are committed to equality and diversity, including a commitment to Safer Recruitment. We welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
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