JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY
Reporting to the Director of Campus Physical Development & Services (CPDS) is responsible for the overall management, supervision, planning and efficient operations of the Campus Services Department in Abu Dhabi. Also deputizes for the Director of Campus Physical Development & Services on matters related to Services unit.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Campus Services
- Supports the Director of CPDS for developing, recommending and administering Campus Services Unit practices, processes and procedures.
- Works as a Business Partner with all units of the University to meet their strategic CPDS needs and deliver a high level of professional services to the ZU community.
- Ensures highest standards of Campus Services operations on the Abu Dhabi Campus.
- In conjunction with the Director of CPDS supervises and manages (plans, organizes, develops and controls) the Campus Services in Abu Dhabi which consists of:
- The University Travel Services unit to ensure optimum services to clients while managing resources to ensure that outsourcing of transport is minimum.
- The University Business/Service Centers & Switchboard to serve the faculty, staff and student population which is a revenue generating source as well as a service unit for the University.
- The University Contract Services in Abu Dhabi, specifically but not limited to the contracts for food services and convenience stores.
- Develops in conjunction with the Director new contracts for Campus Services which add value to the student experience at Zayed University.
- Oversees all major events taking place at the university Conference Center & Event Management Abu Dhabi for their smooth facilitation.
Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Responsible for the planning and budgeting process for Abu Dhabi Campus.
- Manages the planning and logistics for major events taking place at Abu Dhabi Convention Center to support the development of the commercial base of the center ensuring profitability.
Vendor Management
- Works closely with vendors on the Abu Dhabi Campus to ensure they meet the required standards of service on Campus.
- Work with the specialized vendors on Abu Dhabi campus to ensure effective and efficient service these include but are not limited to the Facilities Management Service Provider and the nominated-on campus caterer.
- Liaises with the client and supplier/vendor communities to ensure services are delivered in the most efficient way.
Team Management
- Manages the Campus Services Team (including Travel Services, Business Center, Convention Center) in Abu Dhabi; Organizes and controls the activities of the team to ensure highest standard efficient departmental operations and service delivery.
- Participates in the hiring process for departmental staff.
- Manages the training and development of the Campus Services Abu Dhabi team and carries out the annual performance evaluation for each of the Department’s staff.
Reporting
- Prepares reports for CPDS Director on progress and recommends changes in Campus Operations.
Others
- Undertakes other duties and committee responsibilities as and when may be assigned.
DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE/COMPLEXITY OF ENVIRONMENT
- Operates within University policies and procedures.
- Within general guidelines as established with the Director of CPDS, exercises a high degree of independence in managing daily operating matters.
- Consults with the Director of CPDS on matters that are particularly critical and sensitive, or exceptions to University policies and normal Campus Services Department practices, processes and procedures.
- Must respond quickly, understandingly and decisively to client requests.
- Complexity is often due to having to effectively and expeditiously balance, mediate and negotiate client requests and University requirements (for example, administering University Policy) within the service and resource capacity of the Campus Services and its suppliers/vendors and at all times ensuring that service levels are not compromised.
- The ambiguous, dynamic environment which is constantly changing has to be managed combined with the diverse network of key stakeholders and policy makers while simultaneously dealing with an occurring crisis which may compete for time.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/IMPACT OF INTERACTIONS
- Clients include other University units, faculty, staff, academic administrators, students, consultants and advisors, and VIP guests. As well as external clients in the case of the Convention Center many of whom may be high level government officials.
- Represents the CPDS Abu Dhabi in dealing within the University on client service and operational matters.
- Represents the Campus Services and the University in dealings with outside suppliers and vendors.
- Success of contacts and quality of interaction very much determine the effectiveness of the CPDS Department and its services.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum of 8 years of management/supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education, skill or experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in event management/operations as well as sales and business development.
- High-level computer literacy.
- Knowledge of the local U.A.E market is essential.
Other essential requirements:
- Fluency in English.
- Ability to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
- Ability to work outside of normal working hours as required.
- High Computer Literacy.
- Commercial acumen and ability to gather and analyze market data.
Desired or preferred requirements:
- Experience managing a startup operation.
- Knowledge of the U.A.E Market.
- Knowledge of event management systems and tracking tools.
- Experience working in the academic environment.