Chief Operating and Strategy Officer

University of Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A global educational institution is seeking a Chief Operating and Strategy Officer to enhance operational effectiveness and sustainability. This leadership role requires a proven track record in strategic operations, budget management, and team leadership. Ideal candidates will possess an advanced degree and experience in higher education or similar sectors. The position offers a negotiable salary and comprehensive benefits, including accommodation and repatriation support.

Benefits

Accommodation allowance

Insurance

Schooling support

Home flights

Relocation support

Paid annual leave

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives in complex organizations.
• Experience with capital and revenue budgets.
• Track record of delivering major projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of strategic initiatives for operational excellence.
• Support implementation of the Strategic Roadmap to 2030.
• Ensure alignment of operational plans with strategic objectives.

Skills

Strategic Operations Leadership

Budget Management

Cultural Change

Team Inspiration

Communication

Education

Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, DBA)

Job description

Overview

Area
Opportunities at the University of Nottingham in Ningbo China

Location
Ningbo

Salary
Competitive Salary and Negotiable

Closing Date
Monday 13 October 2025

Reference
UNNC-COSO

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was established in 2004 and was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China with the full approval of the Chinese Ministry of Education. It is part of the University of Nottingham’s Global University, a world top 1% university (QS Ranking), with co-operation from Zhejiang Wanli Education Group, a key player in the education sector in China. Currently the University has more than 9,000 students and 1,000 staff members from 70 countries and regions worldwide, and the number is still growing.

The University offers excellent opportunities for its dedicated staff, as it works towards a shared vision and goals. Continual investment in a world-class estate delivers award-winning campuses, buildings and facilities which are unrivalled in providing inspiring places and spaces for staff and students to work, research, teach and study.

Role summary

UNNC is now seeking a strategic and dynamic Chief Operating and Strategy Officer to join its senior leadership team. This newly created role is central to shaping the University’s operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Provost & Pro-Vice Chancellor and serving as a member of the Management Board, the COSO will lead the development and delivery of strategic initiatives that enhance resource competitiveness, operational efficiency and service excellence, while championing a culture of collaboration, inclusion and innovation.

The COSO will play a key role in supporting the implementation of UNNC’s Strategic Roadmap to 2030, working across six thematic areas: Education and Student Experience, Research and Knowledge Exchange, Global Engagement and Reputation, People and Culture, Sustainability, and Finance and Infrastructure. The successful candidate will work closely with fellow Management Board members to embed accountability and data-informed decision-making across the institution, ensuring that operational plans are aligned with strategic ambitions.

This is a role for a bold and forward-thinking leader who brings deep operational acumen, emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. The COSO will act as a trusted advisor to the Provost, liaising with the Joint Venture Board, Wanli Education Group, Wanli University, and counterparts at the University of Nottingham in the UK and Malaysia. They will initially oversee Estates, IT, Procurement and the Strategic Planning Team, and will likely to be reviewed and expanded to include additional functions from other areas of the University.

UNNC is seeking a candidate with a strong track record of leading strategic operations in complex organisations, ideally within higher education or allied sectors. The successful candidate will bring experience in managing capital and revenue budgets, delivering major projects, and driving cultural and operational change. They will be a confident communicator and collaborator, with the ability to inspire high-performing teams and foster a culture of excellence and inclusion. An advanced degree such as an MBA, MPA or DBA is highly desirable. While Mandarin language skills would be beneficial in navigating the local context, they are not a requirement for the role.

UNNC is committed to providing competitive employment packages while supporting the wellbeing of our staff to help them reach their full potential. You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including accommodation allowance, insurances, schooling support, home flights, relocation and repatriation support and paid annual leave. The salary and benefits package is negotiable and commensurate with experience. This role is offered on a full-time, fixed-term basis for five years, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of strategic initiatives to enhance resource competitiveness, operational efficiency and service excellence.
• Support the implementation of UNNC’s Strategic Roadmap to 2030 across six thematic areas.
• Embed accountability and data-informed decision-making across the institution; align operational plans with strategic ambitions.
• Oversee initial functional areas: Estates, IT, Procurement and the Strategic Planning Team, with potential expansion to include additional functions.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Provost and liaise with key governance bodies and international counterparts.

Qualifications and experience

• Strong track record of leading strategic operations in complex organisations, preferably in higher education or allied sectors.
• Experience in managing capital and revenue budgets, delivering major projects, and driving cultural and operational change.
• Confident communicator and collaborator with ability to inspire high-performing teams and foster inclusion.
• Advanced degree such as an MBA, MPA or DBA is highly desirable.
• Mandarin language skills are beneficial but not required.

Compensation and how to apply

UNNC is committed to competitive employment packages and staff wellbeing. Benefits include accommodation allowance, insurances, schooling support, home flights, relocation and repatriation support and paid annual leave. The salary and benefits package is negotiable and commensurate with experience. This role is full-time and fixed-term for five years, with the possibility of extension.

To apply, please visit here. For an informal conversation about the role, contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson: Jacqueline Lau at [e-mail] or Maliha Ahmed at [e-mail].

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