University of Nottingham
Senior Operations officer
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Senior Operations officer
Senior Operations Officer – School of Geography
Area
Geography, University Operations
Location
University Park, UK
Salary
£29,740 to £36,446 per annum (pro-rata), depending on skills and experience.
Closing Date
Wednesday 15 July 2026
Reference
SOC619726
About the Role
Are you looking for a role that underpins world-leading research and teaching, with the opportunity to make a positive difference to the delivery of our services?
The School of Geography is seeking a Senior Operations Officer to work flexibly within an integrated team, supporting a range of core operational functions—including administrative, recruitment, and procurement—while also contributing to research and knowledge exchange (RKE) as required.
You will:
- Be highly proactive, planning and coordinating operations with minimal supervision.
- Take personal responsibility for problem-solving using analytical and creative thinking.
- Develop and apply specialist operational knowledge across complex workflows.
- Work independently while coordinating effectively with teams to ensure peak demand periods and flexible service delivery.
You will operate on a hybrid schedule (3 days office, 2 days home).
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Operations & Compliance
- Deliver the School’s purchasing and procurement processes, ensuring alignment with University policies and guidelines.
- Provide specialist support, advice, and guidance on broad operational and RKE functions.
Recruitment & Staff Coordination
- Coordinate and support recruitment of:
- Research assistants
- Postgraduate teaching assistants (PGTAs)
- Student helpers and other contingent workers, ensuring full compliance with University policies and processes.
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Administrative & Office Management
- Oversee general administrative tasks, including:
- Reception duties
- Office supply management
- Mail routing and processing
Senior Executive Support
- Provide high-level administrative and operational support to senior leadership, including:
- Secretariat functions for the Senior Management Committee
- Management of recurring meetings and business planning
Requirements
We are looking for a motivated graduate or equivalent experienced professional with: ✔ Experience in administrative, operations, or procurement roles, particularly within academic, research, or H.E.I. contexts. ✔ Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to establish systems and processes for efficiency. ✔ Excellent interpersonal ability, with the capacity to work collaboratively, including at senior levels. ✔ A positive and professional attitude, with an orientation towards continuous improvement. ✔ Experience managing flexible operations in a team-based environment.
Essential for the Senior Officer role: ⚖ Evidence of prior experience in a similar position, involving operational management and procurement over £100k. ⚖ Proven ability to anticipate future operational needs and implement scalable solutions.
What We Offer
Work Environment & Culture
- A friendly, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
- Committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website for more).
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Flexible Working & Benefits
- Hybrid arrangement: 3 days in office, 2 flexible home-working days (on a rota basis).
- 27 days holiday (pro rata), plus standard bank holidays and 5 university closure days.
- Progression through continuous professional development opportunities, including structured training.
Additional Perks
- On-campus fitness, health, and wellness facilities.
- Staff discounts and family support (babycare, cots, nursery place discounts).
- Travel schemes and resource discounts.
Commitment to Equality & Inclusion
We are a Disability Confident (Level 2), Athena Swan Gold award-winning institution, prioritising diversity and accessibility.
- All applications are considered equally, subject to UK Visa & Immigration requirements.
- The University supports international, EU, and UK applicants—view our Moving to Nottingham guide for relocation support.
If you have further questions, please contact: Joanna Black (joanna.black@nottingham.ac.uk) for role-specific inquiries. Please do not send applications to this address—use the online application portal instead.
How to Apply
Apply online via our job portal: Apply Now
"Your success starts with our university’s mission: to ensure real-world impact through diverse, inclusive, and excellent research, underpinned by a committed, collaborative team."
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