Vice-President (Operations)

Shape our success

This is an exciting time to join the University of Southampton. 

In response to the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic our President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith, has launched an interim strategy, which reaffirms what matters most to us as a diverse community. 

This Bridging Strategy will help us to navigate both the impacts of COVID-19 as we experience them today and its future health and economic uncertainties. It sets out guiding principles that will inform how we think smarter, assess risk, make decisions, and take actions over the next 12-18 months in a more flexible and imaginative way. 

The role
We are looking for a Vice-President (Operations) to be part of a new executive team that will enable us to achieve these bold ambitions and thrive in the ever-changing external environment. 

As the Vice-President (Operations), you will provide leadership and executive management to Professional Services at the University, working effectively as a key member of the University’s senior leadership team. You will play a major leadership role in the formulation of strategic and financial planning and the governance required to meet the University’s objectives. You will ensure the efficient and effective management and delivery of the University’s professional services empowering, developing and supporting directors of service to maximise levels of engagement and performance.

About you
You will be a determined and outward-looking person with values that match our own: collegiality, quality, internationalisation and sustainability. You will have a deep understanding of the global Higher Education sector, as well as a proven ability to lead and manage innovative change throughout an organisation. You will be able to think both analytically and creatively, handle complexity and empower and support people, while cultivating and shaping diverse teams.  You will have the ability to influence and shape the debate around higher education both nationally and internationally.

A global university 
A founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, we have a global reputation for our passion and ability to work collaboratively in delivering world-class education, research and enterprise that makes a real impact on society’s biggest challenges. 

Our interdisciplinary thinking, inventive education and cutting-edge facilities enable us to forge connections with national and international industries and organisations, develop new businesses, and support the next generation of leaders and thinkers. 

We bring people and ideas together to achieve the remarkable. We provide the environment, the support and the challenge for them to realise their potential.  

What we can offer you 
We are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity by attracting, developing, and retaining staff from many different backgrounds to create an inclusive working environment. We are proud to have been awarded an institutional Athena SWAN silver award which underpins our pledge to improve equality for women. 

We support a flexible approach to work, as well as additional benefits that will make your life easier, such as a corporate health care scheme and generous holiday allowance. We will support your long-term future too, with access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts. 

How to apply 

For a conversation in confidence and details of how to apply, please contact Mark Holleran. Tel: +44 (0)20 3290 2907 / email: southampton@talentedu.co.uk  

The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight (GMT) on 3 May 2021.  

Following a longlist meeting of the Search Committee, successful candidates will be invited to attend an Engagement Day with members of the Faculty on Friday 21 May 2021.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 22 June 2021