Head of School Operations

Minor Hotels Europe and Americas

. Lead professional services within the School of Engineering .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeNewcastle • United KingdomLead💰 £59,390 - £68,817 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong leadership in managing professional services within a complex educational environment, with a focus on strategic planning, operational performance, and fostering partnerships. Proven ability to lead change initiatives, manage budgets, and develop high-performing teams while promoting a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership ExperienceBudget ManagementStrategic PlanningChange ManagementStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Budget ManagementStrategic PlanningOperational PerformanceChange ManagementFinancial ManagementProcess ImprovementProject ManagementResource ManagementPerformance MeasurementOrganizational Change

Soft Skills

LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationCoachingEmpathy

Certifications & Qualifications

Degree in Relevant Field

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationProfessional ServicesMatrix ManagementEquality and DiversityStakeholder RelationshipsResearch-Intensive OrganizationContinuous ImprovementInnovationOperational PlanningComplex Organization

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead professional services within the School of Engineering
Work in partnership with the Head of School to deliver excellence across education, research and innovation
Drive operational performance and continuous improvement
Lead and develop high-performing teams within a matrix management model
Work with professional service business partners and academic colleagues to deliver strategic priorities and outstanding service
Shape the School’s future, lead change, build effective partnerships and ensure smooth operation of a large and complex School
Direct and actively lead the day-to-day running of the School
Respond effectively and promptly to queries
Shape and contribute to strategic and operational planning
Coordinate administrative and academic effort to deliver School-wide plans
Manage and develop administrative colleagues and coordinate business partner teams
Foster partnerships between professional services and academic colleagues
Evaluate existing services and implement innovative solutions to improve quality, efficiency and resilience
Lead strategic reviews and project portfolios
Identify opportunities, manage risks and conduct internal and external horizon scanning
Lead and contribute to School planning and budgetary discussions
Manage allocated budgets and resources and control expenditure
Deliver major change initiatives and projects
Review and improve processes with professional services
Strengthen and promote the School’s reputation and external profile

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience of working in a large complex organisation
Understanding of Higher Education Sector operations and challenges
Knowledge and understanding of the external environment in which the School operates
Ability to develop strong relationships with external stakeholders
Understanding of business and management processes and performance measures
Proven ability to lead, empathise, inspire confidence, foster a team-based approach, and build effective relationships across multiple job families
Evidence of developing and implementing strategy and leading innovative solutions
Experience managing and controlling budgets, resources and funding
Understanding of financial management procedures
Intellectual capacity and strong influencing skills
Experience contributing to organisational change in a leadership role within a research-intensive organisation
Experience leading a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion
Coaching and mentoring skills
Ability to motivate and lead individuals across teams
Professionally qualified with a degree plus significant relevant management and leadership experience in a similar role or environment
Ability to provide clear direction and demonstrate professional resilience
Articulate, confident and politically adept communication skills
Ability to develop and implement new ideas and approaches
Collaborative, inclusive, transparent and open approach with integrity
Ability to engage with and earn the respect of peers and senior colleagues
Commitment to University values and goals

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous holiday package
Opportunity to buy more holiday
Great pension schemes
Health and wellbeing initiatives
Flexible working opportunities
Blended working opportunities to work remotely as well as on campus may be considered
Equal opportunities and inclusive employment practices
Interview offered to disabled applicants meeting essential criteria under the offer and interview scheme