Department Operations Manager

Department Operations Manager Department:
Digital, Data & Technology Group Salary:
Starting from £38,249, rising to £45,413 Grade:
Grade 7 Contract Type:
Full Time, Open Ended Closing Date:
Sunday 04 January 2026 Interview Date:
Wednesday 14 January 2026 Reference: KD13246 About the role Are you ready to lead and coordinate the operations that keep a digital department running efficiently? We are seeking an experienced professional to join our Digital, Data & Technology (DDaT) Group a pivotal role ensuring the department operates smoothly and effectively in support of the universitys strategic ambitions. As a Department Operations Manager, you will lead all non-technical operations and administration within the department.

You will work closely with the Chief Digital Officer and senior leadership team, overseeing governance processes, coordinating key meetings, managing reporting to university committees, and ensuring clear and timely communications across the department and beyond. Youll need to engage confidently with senior decision-makers while remaining approachable and supportive to colleagues at all levels, building trust and ensuring effective collaboration across the department.

Acting as the first point of contact for non-specialist queries, you will build strong working relationships with colleagues in HR, Finance, and other professional services. You will also lead a small, diverse team, creating a positive, collaborative, and inclusive working environment that supports staff wellbeing, cohesion, and recognition. Key responsibilities in this role include:

- Coordinate governance, leadership, and management meetings, ensuring reports and papers are submitted on time.

- Lead all aspects of non-technical processes and policies across the department, driving consistency and minimising duplication.

- Manage departmental communications and facilities, ensuring a safe and well-organised working environment.

- Provide high-quality administrative and strategic support to senior leaders.

- Lead budget planning and support HR-related processes in partnership with business colleagues. About you

You will have:

- Proven experience managing operations or administration in a complex environment, ideally in higher education or the public sector.

- The ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve high-quality outcomes.

- Confidence in managing competing priorities and implementing effective governance and reporting processes.

- Sound judgement, a proactive approach, and excellent communication skills when engaging a wide range of stakeholders. Further information This role is offered on a full time, (36.5 hours per week) permanent basis. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura Somoza, Portfolio Management Office (PMO) Analyst. However, please ensure that you submit your application through the university's website.

The interviews will take place on 14 January 2026 (and 15 January 2026 if needed) shortly after shortlisting and will include a formal interview, an assessment, and a meet the team session. We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected, and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality andintersectionality, receiving a Silver Athena SWAN Award.

Wetruly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from underrepresented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed tomaintaininga safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We'revery proudto be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader, and an autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. What we can offer you We'recontinually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance…