Senior Manager, Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Ahmedabad University; Ahmedabad District; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Ahmedabad University is seeking an experienced professional in administrative leadership for the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The role involves overseeing operations, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ideal candidates should hold an engineering degree and possess 10–12 years of relevant experience, preferably in technical institutions.

The position emphasizes collaboration, effective problem-solving, and communication with diverse stakeholders in the engineering sector.

Qualifications

• 10–12 years of experience in administrative or operations leadership role.
• Experience preferably within an engineering institution or R&D-intensive organization.

Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise administrative systems and procedures.
• Ensure operations meet global standards for safety and efficiency.
• Oversee the management of technical services and infrastructure.
• Lead a team to maintain operational excellence in the school.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Problem-Solving

Operations Management

Education

Engineering Graduate (B.E./B. Tech or equivalent)

Job description

Ahmedabad University is a private, non-profit research University that offers programs at all levels with emphasis on hands‑on learning. https://www.ahduni.edu.in/

School of Engineering and Applied Science - https://ahduni.edu.in/academics/schools-centres/school-of-engineering-and-applied-science/

Role Summary

The incumbent, in collaboration with the Dean, plans, coordinates, executes, and oversees general administrative responsibilities across Finance & Accounts, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Facilities & Services for the School of Engineering and Applied Science. The role holder will also support the administrative responsibilities of Academic and Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Dean, Programme Chairs, and engineering faculty. The role encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure the school's functionality by integrating people, place, process, and technology, with a strong emphasis on the technical and infrastructure needs of an engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan, set up, direct and supervise administrative systems and procedures for the School of Engineering and Applied Science, leveraging process engineering principles to streamline operations and identify efficiencies
• Identify, develop, and execute operational plans; monitor key metrics; and assist the Dean in decision‑making on general administrative requirements, working in partnership with enabling functions to deliver on engineering school objectives
• Ensure that the day‑to‑day operations of the School's building, laboratories, workshops, and technical spaces meet global standards — both functionally and in terms of safety, precision, and regulatory compliance
• Assist the Dean in coordinating engineering faculty and staff, especially in relation to their teaching loads, research commitments, laboratory supervision responsibilities, and service obligations
• Schedule and organise meetings, events, and academic reviews; maintain agendas and minutes for school‑level and division‑level meetings, including those related to accreditation bodies (e.g., NBA, ABET), supporting the Office of the Dean
• Lead a team of professionals and third‑party service providers to execute administrative responsibilities, ensuring operations adhere to institutional policies, engineering safety standards, and regulatory requirements
• Oversee Facilities and Services, including building maintenance, laboratory and equipment upkeep, housekeeping, event management, student facility management, cafeteria, business continuity planning, space allocation, building security, and a safe working environment in compliance with engineering safety codes and standards (e.g., fire safety, hazardous materials protocols, equipment usage norms)
• Promote a culture of 'Service Excellence' and technical rigour throughout the school
• Develop, track, and manage all aspects of departmental budget (capital and operating), including procurement of engineering equipment, lab consumables, cost reduction initiatives, and compliance with audit requirements
• Ensure smooth and adequate flow of information within the school and across the University, facilitating academic operations, research support, and student services
• Manage schedules and deadlines of various administrative functions, including those tied to academic calendars, lab scheduling, and project‑based coursework logistics
• Oversee all services, maintenance activities, and vendors — with specific attention to technical service contracts for engineering equipment, software licences (CAD, simulation tools, etc.), and specialised lab infrastructure
• Maintain a positive and collaborative work environment and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, industry partners, and external bodies relevant to the School of Engineering

Key Skills

• Sets a tone of leadership that is people‑oriented, collaborative, and grounded in data‑driven and systems‑thinking approaches, with a high level of execution
• Builds a management culture based on teamwork, open communication, prudent risk‑taking, innovation, mentoring, accountability, and the ability to develop others
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a high degree of professionalism in dealing with faculty, technical staff, students, and external stakeholders in an engineering context
• Strong Project Management skills with experience integrating technical tools and digital platforms; familiarity with engineering project workflows is an advantage
• Ability to develop, organise, and accomplish goals within defined timelines and budgets
• Solution‑oriented with effective problem‑solving skills, particularly in technically complex or resource‑constrained environments
• Sound understanding of operations management with knowledge of relevant laws, safety regulations, and compliance requirements applicable to engineering institutions

Qualification

• Engineering Graduate (B.E./ B. Tech or equivalent) in any discipline, with 10–12 years of experience in a similar administrative or operations leadership role, preferably within an engineering institution, technical university, or R&D‑intensive organisation