The University of Birmingham
Head of Operations - College of Social Sciences - 106721 - Grade 8 United Kingdom Be the First to Apply Job Description College of Social Sciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606 Grade: 8 Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2027 Closing date: 10th February 2026 Interview date:24th February 2026 This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager. Previous applicants need not apply. Our offer to you People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, andweare equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university.We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here todevelopthrough our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programmewhichprovides allprofessionalservices staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.With almost 5,000professionalservices jobs in a wide-range of functionsin Edgbaston andin our campus inDubai, there are plenty of opportunities foryou to be able to develop yourcareer at the University. We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate.We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are,and how we work. Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees andtothe success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer avarietyof flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working.In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 dayspaid holidaya year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries. The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site.On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops,places to eat and drink,our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens. Based across our world-class campuses in Birmingham and Dubai, the College of Social Sciences (CoSS) is a global, diverse, and inclusive community of currently more than 12,500 students, 900 academics, and 300professional services staff. We are committed to our strategic goal of driving social change for a fairer and more sustainable world. Our staff and students benefit from being in communities with rich cultures and contribute to the regional and global workforce and economy. Our four schools - Business, Education, Government, and Social Policy and Society - are in the vanguard of innovative and impactful research and teaching across social science. This role would be based in the School of Social Policy and Society. The School delivers a suite of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and executive education programmes to a diverse and international student population. We undertake research that matters, collaborating with our research partners from the private, public and third sectors from across the world. Role Summary The Head of Operations (HoOp) plays a key role in supporting the Head of School to deliver on University, College and School strategy. The role balances strategic thinking with delivering operational excellence through leadership of the professional services teams, frequently requiring the post-holder to translate complex strategy into operational plans. Reporting into the College Director of Operations HoOps are key members of the School Strategic Management team, College Professional Services Strategic Leadership Team (PSSLT), and College Management Network. The HoOp role is a College role, based locally within a School, and part of a team of senior professional services leads within the College.Flexibility is a key aspect of this position, with occasional cover and support to other Schools within the College based on operational demand and business need The HoOp will be required to work strategically with excellent communication and leadership skills, significant operational experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement of excellent service delivery through a collaborative and inclusive approach. Main Duties Leadership Provide the Head of School with exceptional leadership support in order to ensure both the School's strategic and operational priorities are delivered to a high standard. Work effectively with the School's Senior Management Team (SMT), translating strategy into practice, and ensuring clear communication or the School's priorities to professional services teams. Lead and manage professional services staff in the school to ensure effective, positive working relationships at all levels, both directly and through working with interim and matrix managers. Lead staff through periods of change, communicating a clear and positive vision and acting as a role model. Ongoing development and support for direct reports through coaching and training, both formal and informal. Developing teams that consistently embody and demonstrate the University values, and an ability to lead by example. Working with senior Professional Services colleagues across the College, lead on the continuous improvement of operational service delivery. Strategic and Operational Work in partnership with College Business Partners (as appropriate) to support the Head of School, in developing the School's Strategy in the context of the CoSS 2030 and the University Strategic Framework. Engagement with strategic initiatives, including with external partners, ensuring that the required professional services contribution is made. Work as part of the College Professional Services Strategic Leadership Team to provide a critical link between University Professional Services, College and School. Balance local needs with overarching University and College objectives and ensure that practices are aligned wherever possible, ensuring the delivery of an outstanding student and academic experience. Work closely with the College Finance Team, Head of School to understand the school's operational budget and support in year financial planning processes Oversee the School Operations Team's day-to-day management of operations within the School, including facilities management, security, maintenance, administrative services and ensuring that the School has appropriate health and safety procedures in place. Governance and Compliance Support the Head of School in ensuring that the School has robust governance and decision making structures that are fully aligned with those at College and University level. Lead role in understanding requirements for compliance with accreditation and regulatory bodies as relevant to the School, and responsibility for operational aspects. Ensure that the School's committees are supported to a high standard and ensure that decisions made are communicated and followed up as appropriate. To take the lead on ensuring that the School complies with University Regulations, all other University policies, procedures and guidelines, relevant legislation. HR Management Ensure appropriate HR strategies and procedures are in place for school members of staff to include induction, succession planning, training and development, performance management and review and reward mechanisms, working with College HR staff as appropriate to ensure compliance with University policy and procedures and relevant legislation. Recruit, train, and supervise professional services staff, promoting professional development and high performance. Conduct regular performance reviews and address staff concerns. Lead School HR processes by liaising with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, managing staffing requests, drafting business cases (CPAG) and job descriptions, and overseeing fixed-term contract staff activities in partnership with HR. Technology and Innovation Utilise technology to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, including automation. Oversee the implementation of new systems and processes. Equity, Diversity and Belonging Actively promote equality, diversity and belongingacting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture Citizenship and collaboration Develop effective working relationships with the other Heads of Operations and professional services colleagues across the University. Take on projects as requested by the College Director of Operations for the benefit of the wider College and University. As a Birmingham Professional at the University of Birmingham, you are expected to support key university activities and projects, for example, graduations, confirmation and clearing, and other key events and to work flexibly across the University if required. This role may require occasional reassignment to other Schools based on operational demand and business need. . click apply for full job details
Head of Operations - College of Social Sciences - 106721 - Grade 8 United Kingdom Be the First to Apply Job Description College of Social Sciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606 Grade: 8 Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2027 Closing date: 10th February 2026 Interview date:24th February 2026 This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager. Previous applicants need not apply. Our offer to you People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, andweare equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university.We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here todevelopthrough our sector-leading Birmingham Professional programmewhichprovides allprofessionalservices staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential.With almost 5,000professionalservices jobs in a wide-range of functionsin Edgbaston andin our campus inDubai, there are plenty of opportunities foryou to be able to develop yourcareer at the University. We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate.We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are,and how we work. Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees andtothe success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer avarietyof flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working.In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 dayspaid holidaya year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries. The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site.On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops,places to eat and drink,our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens. Based across our world-class campuses in Birmingham and Dubai, the College of Social Sciences (CoSS) is a global, diverse, and inclusive community of currently more than 12,500 students, 900 academics, and 300professional services staff. We are committed to our strategic goal of driving social change for a fairer and more sustainable world. Our staff and students benefit from being in communities with rich cultures and contribute to the regional and global workforce and economy. Our four schools - Business, Education, Government, and Social Policy and Society - are in the vanguard of innovative and impactful research and teaching across social science. This role would be based in the School of Social Policy and Society. The School delivers a suite of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional, and executive education programmes to a diverse and international student population. We undertake research that matters, collaborating with our research partners from the private, public and third sectors from across the world. Role Summary The Head of Operations (HoOp) plays a key role in supporting the Head of School to deliver on University, College and School strategy. The role balances strategic thinking with delivering operational excellence through leadership of the professional services teams, frequently requiring the post-holder to translate complex strategy into operational plans. Reporting into the College Director of Operations HoOps are key members of the School Strategic Management team, College Professional Services Strategic Leadership Team (PSSLT), and College Management Network. The HoOp role is a College role, based locally within a School, and part of a team of senior professional services leads within the College.Flexibility is a key aspect of this position, with occasional cover and support to other Schools within the College based on operational demand and business need The HoOp will be required to work strategically with excellent communication and leadership skills, significant operational experience, and a commitment to continuous improvement of excellent service delivery through a collaborative and inclusive approach. Main Duties Leadership Provide the Head of School with exceptional leadership support in order to ensure both the School's strategic and operational priorities are delivered to a high standard. Work effectively with the School's Senior Management Team (SMT), translating strategy into practice, and ensuring clear communication or the School's priorities to professional services teams. Lead and manage professional services staff in the school to ensure effective, positive working relationships at all levels, both directly and through working with interim and matrix managers. Lead staff through periods of change, communicating a clear and positive vision and acting as a role model. Ongoing development and support for direct reports through coaching and training, both formal and informal. Developing teams that consistently embody and demonstrate the University values, and an ability to lead by example. Working with senior Professional Services colleagues across the College, lead on the continuous improvement of operational service delivery. Strategic and Operational Work in partnership with College Business Partners (as appropriate) to support the Head of School, in developing the School's Strategy in the context of the CoSS 2030 and the University Strategic Framework. Engagement with strategic initiatives, including with external partners, ensuring that the required professional services contribution is made. Work as part of the College Professional Services Strategic Leadership Team to provide a critical link between University Professional Services, College and School. Balance local needs with overarching University and College objectives and ensure that practices are aligned wherever possible, ensuring the delivery of an outstanding student and academic experience. Work closely with the College Finance Team, Head of School to understand the school's operational budget and support in year financial planning processes Oversee the School Operations Team's day-to-day management of operations within the School, including facilities management, security, maintenance, administrative services and ensuring that the School has appropriate health and safety procedures in place. Governance and Compliance Support the Head of School in ensuring that the School has robust governance and decision making structures that are fully aligned with those at College and University level. Lead role in understanding requirements for compliance with accreditation and regulatory bodies as relevant to the School, and responsibility for operational aspects. Ensure that the School's committees are supported to a high standard and ensure that decisions made are communicated and followed up as appropriate. To take the lead on ensuring that the School complies with University Regulations, all other University policies, procedures and guidelines, relevant legislation. HR Management Ensure appropriate HR strategies and procedures are in place for school members of staff to include induction, succession planning, training and development, performance management and review and reward mechanisms, working with College HR staff as appropriate to ensure compliance with University policy and procedures and relevant legislation. Recruit, train, and supervise professional services staff, promoting professional development and high performance. Conduct regular performance reviews and address staff concerns. Lead School HR processes by liaising with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, managing staffing requests, drafting business cases (CPAG) and job descriptions, and overseeing fixed-term contract staff activities in partnership with HR. Technology and Innovation Utilise technology to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, including automation. Oversee the implementation of new systems and processes. Equity, Diversity and Belonging Actively promote equality, diversity and belongingacting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture Citizenship and collaboration Develop effective working relationships with the other Heads of Operations and professional services colleagues across the University. Take on projects as requested by the College Director of Operations for the benefit of the wider College and University. As a Birmingham Professional at the University of Birmingham, you are expected to support key university activities and projects, for example, graduations, confirmation and clearing, and other key events and to work flexibly across the University if required. This role may require occasional reassignment to other Schools based on operational demand and business need. . click apply for full job details
The University of Birmingham
Position Details School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906 Grade: 6 Part Time (22.5 hours per week) Fixed Term contract up to 2 years from start date (expected March-April 2026) Closing date: 14th January 2026 UK travel may be required for this role Our offer to you People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and on our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University. We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work. Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries. The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state of the art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens. Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham Role Summary The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing and delivering the new Rugby River Champions citizen science initiative - a community based project focused on river health monitoring. They will support volunteer networks, provide training and resources, develop communications, and glean community feedback to enhance participation and impact. The volunteer engagement officer will be expected to display strong organisational skills to plan, prioritise, and deliver activities, while also representing the project within the University of Birmingham and Rugby Borough Council. The position will be expected to work in the Rugby area, although flexibility will be required and some time will also be spent on university campus, particularly during the earlier stages of the role. Main Duties Volunteer Engagement and Support Identifying and connecting with potential volunteer networks across the Rugby area. Once established, deliver training on ecological and water chemistry citizen science techniques related to river health monitoring. Supporting volunteers in their monitoring activities via field supervision and email communications. Communicate project developments and volunteer achievements via different social media platforms. Gathering volunteer perceptions and feedback via basic social science research. Project Reporting and Delivery Determine short term priorities for own work, ensuring you maximise quality, efficiency and continuity. Supporting the analysis of citizen science outputs and research by preparing spreadsheets and calculating basic statistics. Preparing progress reports for project leads or other meetings. Disseminating project updates to volunteers via newsletters and community events. Where relevant, act as main point of contact for, and facilitate the processing of, project related procurement, contracts and invoicing. Project Management and Administration Monitor progress on volunteer numbers and fulfilment, identifying potential issues, and where required recommending improvements to processes. Support budgetary monitoring and management, including reporting. Assessing and escalating issues and risks with project managers as appropriate. Other responsibilities Assist with stakeholder management, developing and maintaining regular contact with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements. Support the University's sustainability agenda through resource efficient working. Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. Any other duties commensurate with the grade. Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications). Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a similar role will be required. Significant practical experience in a project management and/or administrative role(s). Experience working with community groups, volunteers, or citizen science initiatives. Experience in project coordination, including administration, scheduling, and resource management. Experience producing newsletters, reports, or outreach materials. Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to produce and analyse information and data. Strong organisational and project management skills, with ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to engage and motivate volunteers. Experience with budgetary management. Highly proficient IT skills, including the wider MS Office suite of programmes including Excel and PowerPoint. Experience in social media communication (e.g., Instagram and/or Facebook updates reaching community groups, LinkedIn posts). Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of stakeholders (community, academic, local government). Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions when supporting volunteer field activities. Flexible and adaptable approach to work, including occasional evening or weekend commitments for community events. Familiarity with social science research methods (desirable). Understanding of freshwater ecology, water quality monitoring, or related environmental issues (desirable). A full UK driving licence (desirable). A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility, and a self motivating approach. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly. Informal enquiries to James White, email: View our staff values and behaviours here Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview. We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
Position Details School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906 Grade: 6 Part Time (22.5 hours per week) Fixed Term contract up to 2 years from start date (expected March-April 2026) Closing date: 14th January 2026 UK travel may be required for this role Our offer to you People are at the heart of what we are and do. The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years, and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed, and celebrate their success. We are committed to helping the people who work here to develop through our sector leading Birmingham Professional programme which provides all professional services staff with development opportunities and the encouragement to reach their full potential. With almost 5,000 professional services jobs in a wide range of functions in Edgbaston and on our campus in Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be able to develop your career at the University. We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate. We warmly welcome people from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who and what we are, and how we work. Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries. The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state of the art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens. Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham Role Summary The successful candidate will play a key role in establishing and delivering the new Rugby River Champions citizen science initiative - a community based project focused on river health monitoring. They will support volunteer networks, provide training and resources, develop communications, and glean community feedback to enhance participation and impact. The volunteer engagement officer will be expected to display strong organisational skills to plan, prioritise, and deliver activities, while also representing the project within the University of Birmingham and Rugby Borough Council. The position will be expected to work in the Rugby area, although flexibility will be required and some time will also be spent on university campus, particularly during the earlier stages of the role. Main Duties Volunteer Engagement and Support Identifying and connecting with potential volunteer networks across the Rugby area. Once established, deliver training on ecological and water chemistry citizen science techniques related to river health monitoring. Supporting volunteers in their monitoring activities via field supervision and email communications. Communicate project developments and volunteer achievements via different social media platforms. Gathering volunteer perceptions and feedback via basic social science research. Project Reporting and Delivery Determine short term priorities for own work, ensuring you maximise quality, efficiency and continuity. Supporting the analysis of citizen science outputs and research by preparing spreadsheets and calculating basic statistics. Preparing progress reports for project leads or other meetings. Disseminating project updates to volunteers via newsletters and community events. Where relevant, act as main point of contact for, and facilitate the processing of, project related procurement, contracts and invoicing. Project Management and Administration Monitor progress on volunteer numbers and fulfilment, identifying potential issues, and where required recommending improvements to processes. Support budgetary monitoring and management, including reporting. Assessing and escalating issues and risks with project managers as appropriate. Other responsibilities Assist with stakeholder management, developing and maintaining regular contact with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements. Support the University's sustainability agenda through resource efficient working. Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. Any other duties commensurate with the grade. Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications). Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a similar role will be required. Significant practical experience in a project management and/or administrative role(s). Experience working with community groups, volunteers, or citizen science initiatives. Experience in project coordination, including administration, scheduling, and resource management. Experience producing newsletters, reports, or outreach materials. Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to produce and analyse information and data. Strong organisational and project management skills, with ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to engage and motivate volunteers. Experience with budgetary management. Highly proficient IT skills, including the wider MS Office suite of programmes including Excel and PowerPoint. Experience in social media communication (e.g., Instagram and/or Facebook updates reaching community groups, LinkedIn posts). Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a range of stakeholders (community, academic, local government). Willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions when supporting volunteer field activities. Flexible and adaptable approach to work, including occasional evening or weekend commitments for community events. Familiarity with social science research methods (desirable). Understanding of freshwater ecology, water quality monitoring, or related environmental issues (desirable). A full UK driving licence (desirable). A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility, and a self motivating approach. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly. Informal enquiries to James White, email: View our staff values and behaviours here Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview. We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.