Student Lifecycle Operations Officer (0304-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
The Registry supports the whole student journey, from initial enquiry and admission through to final award and beyond. We work as an integrated, student-focused service, using our expertise, insight and technology to deliver excellent services and support student success. Our teams work collaboratively across the University, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture that promotes wellbeing, development and opportunity for all.
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and organised Student Lifecycle Operations Officer to join the University of Derby during an exciting period of organisational transformation.
This flexible fixed-term role will provide professional administrative, operational, recruitment and student-facing support across Registry. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the University, you will help deliver an excellent experience for prospective and current students, staff and external stakeholders throughout the student lifecycle, from recruitment and enrolment through to progression, completion and graduation.
You will support a varied range of activities including student recruitment, admissions, communications, events, student administration, data management, customer service and project work. This will include responding to enquiries, maintaining accurate records, supporting University events such as Open Days, Clearing and graduation, and contributing to service improvements that enhance efficiency and the student experience.
We are seeking someone with strong communication and organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality customer service. You will be confident working with systems and data, able to manage competing priorities, and comfortable building effective relationships across teams. Experience in administration, customer service, student support, recruitment or operational delivery would be particularly valuable.
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to key University services, support transformation activity and play an important role in delivering a joined-up, professional and student-focused service across Registry.
Anticipated interview date: Monday 9th November 2026
About You
The ideal candidate will be a confident, organised and customer-focused professional with experience of working in an administrative, operational, recruitment, student support or customer service environment. You will be able to manage a varied workload, respond effectively to enquiries, maintain accurate records and support a range of student lifecycle activities, including recruitment, enrolment, student administration, events and graduation.
You will need excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to build positive working relationships with students, prospective students, colleagues and external stakeholders. Strong digital skills are essential, including confidence using Microsoft Office and business systems, alongside the ability to work with data, interpret information and present findings clearly. You should be able to prioritise competing demands, work independently using initiative, and recognise when issues need to be escalated.
The non-negotiable requirements for this role are: education to HND level or equivalent relevant professional experience; GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent; experience in administration, customer service, recruitment, student support or operational delivery; the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines; confidence using databases or information systems; a commitment to accuracy, confidentiality and data.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Emma Baddiley, Student Hub and Registry Operations Manager via E.Baddiley@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026
Area: Administrative Support
Salary: £30,577 to £32,455 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £37,323.25 per annum)
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