Deputy Chief Operating Officer

The University Of Wolverhampton; Walsall; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wolverhampton seeks a Deputy Chief Operating Officer to lead operational transformation and strategic initiatives. This pivotal role requires proven leadership and substantial experience, fostering improvements and supporting educational goals within a diverse institution. The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and innovation, significantly impacting the university's future.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience across multi-disciplinary operations.
• Substantial experience at a senior level in complex organisations.
• Strong commitment to inclusion and impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead key strategic initiatives including the Target Operating Model for Professional Services.
• Act as senior adviser to the COO, collaborating with the University Executive Board.
• Drive cross-functional improvements and embed operational excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Mindset

Performance Improvement

Inclusion

Innovation

Job description

The University of Wolverhampton is a proudly civic, ambitious, and inclusive post-92 institution. We are now seeking an experienced, commercially astute and values-driven Leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering operational transformation across a diverse and impactful university.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead key strategic initiatives including the Target Operating Model for Professional Services. You will also act as a senior adviser and deputy to the COO, working closely with the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, University Executive Board, and external partners.

We are looking for a dynamic, commercially minded leader with substantial experience at a senior level in complex organisations. You will be capable of driving cross-functional improvements, leading high-performing teams, and embedding operational excellence to support our education, research, and civic goals.

You will bring:

Proven leadership experience across multi-disciplinary operations
A strategic and commercial mindset
High-level planning, transformation, and performance improvement skills
A strong commitment to inclusion, innovation, and impact

This is your opportunity to shape the future of a university committed to access, excellence, and place-based transformation. If you have experience in working in a large, complex organisation at a senior level, you possess extensive commercial experience and you are results oriented, and would like an informal conversation with the COO, Dr Pete Cross then please contact Sophie Reed - [e-mail]

Interview Date: Thursday 28th August