University Secretary and COO

Aberdeen is a broad based, research intensive University, which puts students at the centre of everything it does. Outstanding in a wide range of discipline areas, Aberdeen has been credited for its international reach and its commercialisation of research ideas into spin out companies. The University has over 16,000 matriculated students and 3,600 staff representing 130 nationalities. We encourage bold thinking, creativity and innovation, and we nurture ambition with many opportunities for professional and personal development in an inclusive learning environment which challenges and inspires.   

Underpinning our high performance and significant growth is a £100m investment in Aberdeen’s estate which will include the completion of a new Science Teaching Hub, the regeneration of the historic King’s Quarter, and a new Business School building.  The University has also invested in 50 new academic posts, and 2020 will see the launch of 5 Interdisciplinary, cross-institution Research Centres that will catalyse world-leading research in our areas of research strength.  The University is proud to be the first UK University to operate on a dedicated campus in Qatar. On Founders’ day in 2020, our 525th anniversary as a University, we launched our new strategy ‘Aberdeen 2040’ which will shape our learning, discovery and strategic actions. For further details on the strategy, please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/2040. 

The University is now seeking to appoint an exceptional individual to a key role in the University’s Senior Leadership Team.  The University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer will work closely with and support the Senior Governor, Principal and other members of the governing body, provide strategic and inspirational leadership, management and effective delivery of professional and corporate services across the University, and be responsible for all governance matters across the institution. 

The University values a diverse working environment and recognises the benefits this can bring. The University is keen to receive applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation).

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Aberdeen on this appointment.  For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference WBVX.  Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours).  Applications should be received by 17:00 Wednesday 11 March