Head of Operations, Loughborough

Job Title: Head of Operations, LoughboroughApplication Closing Date: Monday, 26 October 2026Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering Full Time, Open Ended Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s leading engineering schools. About the University Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society. At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, creating opportunities for those with the drive, ambition and determination to pursue something better. About the Wolfson School The Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering is one of the UK’s largest engineering schools, home to more than 250 staff and over 2,300 students across undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research programmes. The School delivers world-class teaching, research and enterprise activity and plays a significant role in supporting the University’s strategic ambitions. Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for: As a key member of the School Executive Board, the Head of Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership across all professional support functions within the School. Reporting to the Dean, you will oversee administrative, technical and academic support services, ensuring the effective delivery of teaching, research and enterprise activities. This is a highly influential role, leading a diverse professional services team and working closely with senior colleagues across the University. You will drive organisational effectiveness, manage significant resources and budgets, support strategic planning and lead major change initiatives that help deliver the School’s ambitions and the University’s wider objectives. We are looking for an experienced and collaborative leader who can build high-performing teams, develop effective systems and processes, and provide sound strategic advice in a complex and fast-paced environment. About You You will bring: Significant experience of leading and managing professional staff teams within a complex organisation. Experience of financial planning, budget management and performance monitoring. Strong project management and organisational change leadership skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills. The ability to analyse complex information, develop practical solutions and influence decision-making at a senior level. A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and staff wellbeing. Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience. Why Should You Apply? This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact within a thriving and ambitious School. You’ll work with senior leaders across the University, contribute to strategic decision-making, and play a central role in supporting excellence in teaching, research and enterprise. With significant scope to influence, develop services and lead change, the role offers both challenge and variety in a collaborative and supportive environment. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you. Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Rajkumar Roy, Dean of Wolfson School, via email to R.Roy@lboro.ac.uk. For more information please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. Application Process For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes tips to help you complete your application successfully. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments candidates may require during the recruitment process and throughout employment. Closing Date: 26 October 2026 Our Benefits At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include: Time off – generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme. Where you work – access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Financial Wellbeing – competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities. Support for you and those close to you – through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options. Health and Wellbeing – discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support. Travel and sustainability – access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting. Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University…