The UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences (PaLS) is one of the largest and most distinguished academic groupings in psychology and related disciplines in the UK. PaLS brings together students, researchers, academics, and professional services staff committed to making UCL a global leader in the scientific study and teaching of mind, behaviour, and language. It is an ambitious, high‑performing, and collegial community comprising approximately 120 academic staff, 180 research staff, 100 professional services staff, and over 2,300 students.
UCL Psychology is consistently ranked among the leading departments internationally, for example 5th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026, 4th in the Guardian University Guide 2026, and 6th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. Research and teaching in PaLS encompass almost all aspects of clinical psychology, behavioural and cognitive neuroscience, language, sensory systems, learning and memory, therapeutic interventions, decision‑making, and social cognition, and apply these areas of expertise to major societal challenges including climate change, mental health, inequality, and social conflict.
About the role
The Head of Operations is the senior professional services lead within PaLS and provides strategic and operational leadership for the Division’s professional services function. The postholder works in close partnership with the Director of the Division and the Heads of Research Department to ensure that PaLS operates effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with Faculty and UCL strategy.
The role combines executive responsibility for the professional services team and business partners infrastructure of a large and complex academic division with strategic leadership across education, research support, people, finance, operations, compliance, sustainability, and risk. The postholder will lead and support professional services teams and business partners delivering Human Resources, Finance, Space and Laboratory Operations, Health and Safety, Research Support, Education and Student Experience, Web Development and Communications, Sustainability, EDI, and Enterprise. The postholder will also manage the Executive Officers supporting the Division’s seven Research Departments.
The Head of Operations works closely with the Faculty Director of Operations and acts as the principal operational adviser to the Director and plays a central role in ensuring that PaLS can deliver its ambitious academic, research, and educational objectives.
A job description, person specification and Head of Operations Appendix can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact s.solomon@ucl.ac.uk. For informal queries please contact John Draper, j.draper@ucl.ac.uk. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact PaLS HR at pals.hr@ucl.ac.uk.
We will consider applications to work on a part‑time, flexible, or job‑share basis wherever possible. This role is eligible for hybrid working, with a minimum of 80% of working time spent on site.
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research, Teaching and Professional Services Staff. Please visit the UCL Human Resources website for further information.
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.
About you
The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience of leading and managing business operations in a large and complex organisation, ideally within higher education or a similarly demanding environment. They will demonstrate strong leadership, organisational, and change‑management skills; the ability to prioritise effectively in the face of competing demands; and a proven track record of strategic, financial, and resource management. They will also have experience of motivating and supporting high‑performing teams to deliver excellent outcomes, together with a strong educational background and relevant professional experience.
What we offer
* 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
* Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
* Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
* Immigration loan
* Relocation scheme for certain posts
* On‑site nursery
* On‑site gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
* Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
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