The University of Sheffield
Operations Manager
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Operations Manager
Operations Manager – Higher Educational Support
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make us a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits, including:
- Highly competitive 35 days (minimum) annual leave (with options to purchase additional days)
- Generous pension scheme
- Flexible working opportunities (including hybrid working)
- Commitment to development and wellbeing
- Discounts on shopping, dining, travel, and much more
- Staff networks (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s, and Parents’ Networks)
- Recognition Awards for exceptional performance
- Access to mentoring and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
- Family-friendly policies including:
- Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- Support for menopause and fertility treatment
Overview
As Operations Manager, you will report to the School Manager and lead operational support activities essential for the efficient and effective running of the school, ensuring compliance with UoS regulations and legislation. This role involves:
- People and team management, overseeing executive, HR, estates, health and safety, and business continuity staff
- Strategic coordination of operational priorities with cross-functional teams
- ** problema-solving, leadership, and change management** in a dynamic academic environment
Core responsibilities include:
- Supporting the School Manager in strategic initiatives, including attending meetings
- Driving high-quality service delivery across multiple departments (HR, estates, health/safety, business continuity, reception services, information management)
- Overseeing people management functions (e.g., contracts, recruitment, promotions, staff development)
- Acting as the primary liaison for estates and facilities-related matters
- Leading information governance and data compliance, ensuring adherence to UoS policies and legislation
- Strategically planning business continuity arrangements
- Managing annual academic workload planning
- Overseeing delegated budget management (where applicable)
- Supporting One University initiatives, including Athena Swan practices
- Additional duties aligned with the role’s grade and scope
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Main Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Support and Delegation
- Deputise for the School Manager as required, including leading meetings and major strategic projects
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and develop the School’s operations team (including administrative, HR, estates, health, and safety roles)
- Ensure alignment of daily operations with local and school-wide priorities
HR and People Management
- Segment operational tasks: staff contracts, promotions, performance reviews (Staff Review and Development Scheme), and faculty collaborations
- Collaborate closely with HR and Faculty HR teams to streamline recruitment, appraisal processes, and talent development
Estates and Facilities
- Solely represent the School’s estates matters in conjunction with Facilities Management, resolving issues and coordinating projects
Funding and Research Portfolio
- Optimise post-award revenue, including complex research grants (where applicable)
Information Governance
- Develop and implement the School’s information asset register, ensuring compliance with university regulations
- Supervise the Information Champion and foster data integrity across all operations
Business Continuity and Resilience
- Implement and oversee business continuity plans integrated into School operations
Administrative Coordination
- Lead annual academic workload planning
- Share budgetary responsibilities when delegated by the School Manager
- Align with One University strategic initiatives, including Athena Swan (charter on gender equality) initiatives
Requirements
Our diverse and inclusive community embraces varied backgrounds and skills. If your experience doesn’t fully align with the criteria below, your perspective still matters—apply with a strong application statement!
Essential or Desirable Experience Criteria
| Criteria | Stage |
|---|---|
| Degree-level education (or equivalent) | Application/Interview |
| Professional experience (preferably in Higher Education or equivalent). | Application/Interview |
| People management: Proven ability to train, motivate, and align a team’s efforts with strategic goals. | Application/Interview |
| Communication: Exceptional written and verbal skills, with expertise in translating complex information for diverse audiences. | Application/Interview |
| Organisational and prioritisation: Ability to assess resources, focus on deadlines, and resolve operational challenges efficiently. | Application/Interview |
| Problem-solving: Creative and forward-thinking in tackling organisational issues. | Application/Interview |
| Administrative Excellence: Demonstrated improvements to high-quality support services within a complex environment. | Application/Interview |
| Customer Service: Responding effectively and professionally to enquiries and user needs. | Application/Interview |
| Collaboration: Ability to adapt and work cross-functionally toward School and University goals. | Application/Interview |
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Desirable
- Broader understanding of Higher Education policies, systems, existing best practices, and compliance standards.
Role Information
Grade and Salary
Grade 7 – £38,784 – £47,389 per annum
Working Arrangement
Full-time position (hybrid working discussed as applicable)
Direct Reports
School Executive Assistant focused on operational support
Next Steps
- Closes: 16 July 2026
- Selection process: Starts early August 2026 (two-stage process): 1) Scenario-based test 2) Formal interview
- Results Shared: Week starting 27 July 2026
Inquiries
- Informal discussions: Christie Harrison (School Manager) – c.harrison@sheffield.ac.uk
- Accessibility/Adjustments: Gemma Fearnley-Cook (g.l.fearnley-cook@sheffield.ac.uk)
University Mission
The University of Sheffield’s Vision embodies a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence, celebrating the diverse talents of our staff and student community.
Disability Confident Employer: If you held a disability/condition and meet the essential criteria, we encourage you to apply. Reasonable adjustments will be provided throughout the selection process.
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