Head of Institute Operations

Esrc IAA University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Head of Institute Operations for their Space Institute. This operational leadership role involves shaping the Institute's strategy, managing diverse collaborations, and ensuring robust financial planning. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in complex environments, strong leadership and communication skills, and a track record in stakeholder engagement. A competitive salary and a range of supportive benefits are offered, promoting an inclusive environment for all candidates.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Generous pension

Flexible working options

Access to leisure facilities

Family friendly benefits, including on-site nursery

Qualifications

• Experience in complex organisations, ideally including higher education or research.
• Proven ability to manage large, complex bids and partnerships.
• Sound financial management and effective budget control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational delivery of the Institute's strategy.
• Build and manage the Institute's operational infrastructure.
• Drive the Institute's partnership and collaboration strategy.
• Oversee financial planning and resource management.
• Manage compliance, risk, and data governance.

Skills

Operational leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic development

Financial management

Communication skills

Job description

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Head of Institute Operations

The University of Surrey has been a pioneer in space engineering and small satellite innovation for more than four decades. Building on this heritage, the Surrey Space Institute is the University's newest Pan-University Institute. This bold, interdisciplinary hub brings together world-leading expertise to shape the future of space research, policy, and innovation.

As the Space Institute enters an exciting phase of growth, we are seeking an outstanding operational leader to join us as Head of Institute Operations. This is a rare opportunity to help build and shape a major new Institute at the heart of Surrey's expanding space ecosystem.

The role

This is a delivery focussed leadership role with significant scope to shape how the Space Institute operates, grows and collaborates. Working closely with the Director and Co-Directors, you will turn strategic ambition into operational reality, ensuring the Institute has the systems, partnerships, and professional services support required to deliver world‑class research, innovation, and education.

• Lead the operational delivery of the Institute's strategy, translating long‑term vision into clear plans, milestones and outcomes.
• Build and manage the Institute's operational infrastructure, ensuring efficient, resilient and future‑ready systems.
• Drive the Institute's partnership and collaboration strategy, strengthening connections across the University and with industry, funders, government agencies and international partners.
• Oversee financial planning and resource management, ensuring robust investment cases, effective budget control and alignment with University priorities.
• Manage compliance, risk, health and safety, business continuity and data governance.
• Represent the Institute across the University and externally, supporting the development of cross‑Faculty research teams and raising the Institute's profile.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in complex environments, enjoys building relationships across diverse communities, and takes pride in delivering operational excellence at scale.

About you

You will be an experienced operational leader with a strong track record in complex organisations, ideally including higher education, research, innovation or partnership‑driven environments. You'll bring:

• Experience developing and delivering strategies, major initiatives and operational programmes.
• Strong organisational leadership skills, with the ability to influence, motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
• A proven ability to manage large, complex bids, partnerships or multi‑stakeholder programmes.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work confidently across technical and non‑technical communities.
• Sound financial management experience and the ability to build robust business cases.
• An innovative, solutions‑focused approach, with the confidence to make decisions where there is little precedent.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement, partnership building and external representation.

Experience in space‑related strategy, communications or partnership development is desirable, as is experience working with research funders, investors or innovation‑focused organisations.

What we can offer

In addition to a competitive salary you will receive 25 days annual leave, with additional days for Bank Holidays and University closure days. We offer a generous pension, flexible working options, access to world‑class leisure facilities, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on‑site nursery.

Further information

Candidates are warmly encouraged to contact Prof Adam Amara for an informal conversation about the role via [e-mail] (noting that the University is closed 25th December - 4th January inclusive).

At the University of Surrey, we celebrate the diversity of our community and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, and we particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in leadership roles.