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 manage professional support staff. This role involves overseeing the development and execution of the College's vision, ensuring alignment with university strategies, and driving organizational change. The successful candidate will provide high-quality, customer-focused services while managing significant resources and leading multidisciplinary teams. If you possess exceptional leadership skills and a passion for higher education, this opportunity offers a chance to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Generous Leave

Pension

Relocation Assistance

Discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive relevant experience in administrative/support systems and project management.
• Strong understanding of higher education challenges and governance principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for College professional support services.
• Manage College budgets and lead a team of professional staff.
• Oversee delivery of the College Internationalisation strategy.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Vision Development

Operational Planning

Interpersonal Skills

Financial Management

Project Management

Education

Degree/Postgraduate/Professional Qualification

Job description

Featured

Director of Professional Services

Job details

Posted 02 May 2025 Salary Competitive End date 27 May 2025 Location Glasgow Job Type Management, Professional & Administrative Reference 172513 Expiry 27 May 2025 at 23:45

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Director of Professional Services is a Chief Operating Officer role, responsible for the development and execution of the College’s vision and strategy across the full range of activities. They lead 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 major focus on the College Estate.

The Director is a key member of the College leadership team, representing the College on university committees and with external agencies. They have direct line management for professional service functions across the College, including five Schools and the Centre for Public Policy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic leadership for College professional support services, ensuring high-quality, customer-focused, and efficient services aligned with strategic priorities and operational plans, driving improvements and organizational change.
2. Coordinate the development and delivery of College strategic plans, ensuring goals are clear, aligned with university strategies, and regularly monitored.
3. Advise the Vice Principal/Head of College on leadership, management, and development, maximizing efficiency and anticipating future changes.
4. Contribute to and be accountable for College policies, procedures, operational plans, and governance, ensuring compliance with regulations and legislation.
5. Lead the strategic development and efficiency of the College Estate.
6. Manage College budgets and income within agreed policies, supporting strategies and objectives.
7. Lead and develop a team of professional, technical, administrative, and support staff to optimize service delivery.
8. Participate in business process reviews and implement cost-effective support activities, benchmarking with university services and the wider sector.
9. Oversee delivery of the College Internationalisation strategy, aligning services and resources with College and University 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 across stakeholders.
12. Represent College interests externally, establishing relationships with professional bodies to support university and college strategies.
13. Lead/manage specific projects as requested, including convening committees.
14. Deputise for the Vice Principal/Head of College when required.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Essential: Degree/postgraduate/professional qualification or equivalent plus extensive relevant experience.
• Excellent knowledge of administrative/support systems, change and project management, funding agencies, and industrial partners.
• Good understanding of specialist equipment needs and principles of good governance.
• Understanding of HE challenges.

Desirable:

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

Skills

• Ability to provide strategic leadership.
• Vision development and delivery.
• Strategic thinking and operational planning.
• Interpersonal, engagement, and leadership skills.
• Capacity to motivate teams and manage complex challenges.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Financial management and analytical skills.

Experience

• Managing significant resources and leading strategic initiatives.
• Partnership working with senior colleagues.
• Leadership in a knowledge-based organization.
• Leading multidisciplinary teams and managing change.
• Project management experience at a senior level.

Terms and Conditions

Salary is competitive, Grade 10. Full-time, open-ended (35 hours/week). Relocation assistance available. Benefits include generous leave, pension, and discounts. We promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented communities. Visit https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/benefits-salary-and-flexible-working for more info.

Closing date: 23:45 on Tuesday 27th May 2025