Head of Strategic Operations

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave (38 days)

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Club memberships

Bus travel discounts

Season travel loans

Job summary

The University of Oxford is seeking an experienced Head of Strategic Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across Biomedical Services animal facilities. You will shape the strategic direction and lead the delivery of consistent, high-quality services across six sites, embedding new ways of working to build resilient and sustainable services for the future.

As a collaborative leader, you will guide Operational Leads, champion a strong culture of care, ensure animal welfare

Job description

UK date and time: 05-November-2026 13:40

The University of Oxford is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Head of Strategic Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across our Biomedical Services animal facilities.

Biomedical Services supports world-leading biomedical research across six University facilities, providing high-quality animal care while maintaining rigorous standards of welfare, compliance and service delivery.

Reporting to the Director and joining the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape the strategic direction of our operations and lead the delivery of consistent, high-quality services across multiple sites. You will have a key role in embedding new ways of working and developing resilient, efficient and sustainable services for the future. With experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams, you will have the ability to translate strategic priorities into effective operational delivery.

You will be a collaborative and influential leader, providing leadership to our Operational Leads, championing a strong culture of care, ensuring animal welfare and regulatory compliance remain central to everything we do. With excellent stake holder management, you will be able to build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on an influential leadership role, shaping the future of Biomedical Services.

What We Offer

We offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits, they include;

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave including public bank holidays.
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season ticket travel loans.

The department is committed in supporting and developing our staff and opportunities which staff are encouraged to make the most of to enhance their personal and career development.

Application Process

Owing to the nature of this position any offer of employment with the University will be subject to a satisfactory security screening.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 21 November 2026.