Director of Professional Services

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Professional Services to lead strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency. This pivotal role involves overseeing professional support services, managing budgets, and driving organizational change. The Director will collaborate with the Vice Principal and represent the College on various committees, ensuring alignment with university priorities. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the higher education sector. Join this dynamic team and make a significant impact on the College's strategic vision and operational success.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension plan

Flexible working options

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Extensive relevant experience in leadership and management.
• Knowledge of funding agencies and governance principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for professional support services.
• Manage College budgets and income to support strategic objectives.
• Oversee delivery of the College Internationalisation strategy.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Effective communication

Team motivation

Project management

Financial management

Education

Degree or postgraduate qualification

Professional qualification

Job description

Job Purpose

The Director of Professional Services is a Chief Operating Officer role responsible for developing and executing the College’s vision and strategy across all activities. They lead the professional support staff, providing outstanding services to support the academic business in line with the College’s strategic objectives. Reporting to the Vice Principal/Head of College, they oversee strategic planning, policy development, resource management, and infrastructure development, with a key focus on the College Estate's strategic development and efficiency.

The Director is a key member of the College leadership team, the College Management Group (CMG), and represents the College on university committees and external agencies. They manage professional service functions within the College and, through the Heads of Professional Services, oversee staff delivering services across five Schools and the Centre for Public Policy SUERC.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic leadership for College professional support services, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused, and efficient services that align with College and University priorities, driving service improvement and organisational change.
2. Coordinate the development and implementation of College strategic plans, ensuring goals are clear, aligned, and monitored against KPIs.
3. Advise the Vice Principal/Head of College on leadership, management, and development strategies to maximize efficiency and contribution, anticipating future changes.
4. Contribute to the development of College policies, procedures, and operational plans, ensuring compliance with governance, regulatory, statutory, and legislative requirements.
5. Lead the strategic development and efficiency of the College Estate.
6. Manage College budgets and income in line with agreed policies to support strategic objectives.
7. Lead and develop a team of professional, technical, administrative, and support staff to optimize service delivery.
8. Participate in College-wide business process reviews and implement effective, cost-efficient support activities through benchmarking and collaboration with university services and external bodies.
9. Oversee delivery of the College Internationalisation strategy, aligning services and resources with institutional ambitions.
10. Contribute to the development of professional services across the university as a member of the Professional Services Group.
11. Implement university strategies, policies, and procedures in collaboration with stakeholders.
12. Represent College interests externally, fostering relationships with professional bodies and external agencies.
13. Lead or manage specific projects as assigned, including convening committees.
14. Deputise for the Vice Principal/Head of College when necessary.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential:

• A degree/postgraduate/professional qualification or equivalent plus extensive relevant experience.
• Excellent knowledge of support systems, change and project management methodologies.
• Understanding of funding agencies and industrial partnerships.
• Knowledge of specialist equipment needs for CoSS teaching and research.
• Understanding of governance principles and HE sector challenges.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of university funding and governance arrangements.
• Experience in process design and systematic improvement.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and vision development.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and lead teams.
• Diplomacy and tact in complex situations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Financial management and analytical skills.

Experience

• Proven resource management at a senior level.
• Experience in strategic development and major projects.
• Leadership in knowledge-based organizations.
• Experience in change management and project delivery.

Terms and Conditions

Salary is competitive within Grade 10. The role is full-time (35 hours/week), open-ended, with relocation support if needed. Benefits include generous leave, pension, and flexible working options. The university values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented communities. For more details, visit here. The closing date is 23:45 on Tuesday 27th May 2025.