Purpose of the Role
The Operations Officer provides proactive operational and administrative support to enable the effective running of key Development and Alumni Relations departmental functions. The role plays a central part in coordinating administrative, financial and people-related processes, ensuring that teams are supported to deliver their objectives efficiently and in line with university procedures.
Working closely with departmental leadership and colleagues across the university, the Operations Officer supports planning, coordination and governance activities, while also acting as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
The role requires strong organisational capability, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a proactive approach to supporting operational effectiveness across a range of activities.
Core responsibilities
Administrative and operational support
• Provide proactive administrative and operational support to departmental leadership and teams.
• Act as a key liaison point between senior leaders, internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate diaries, meetings and documentation to ensure effective use of leadership time.
• Organise meetings, workshops, events and away days, including coordinating logistics and resources.
• Coordinate visitors and stakeholders, including arranging access, facilities and support where required.
• Support the effective running of office spaces and operational infrastructure, ensuring issues are identified and resolved.
Governance and coordination
• Provide secretariat support for relevant committees, working groups or governance meetings.
• Prepare agendas, papers and documentation and ensure accurate records of meetings.
• Track actions and support follow-up activity to ensure delivery against agreed decisions.
Finance and procurement
• Support financial administration including expenses, travel, hospitality, procurement and event expenditure in accordance with university procedures.
• Assist teams with navigating financial processes and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Coordinate purchasing and supplier engagement where required.
People and HR administration
• Support recruitment administration, onboarding processes and HR documentation.
• Coordinate appraisal and staff development processes where required.
• Organise training, conferences and development opportunities, including travel arrangements.
Stakeholder engagement and awareness
• Develop strong working relationships across the university.
• Maintain awareness of institutional priorities and ensure operational support aligns with departmental objectives.
Key working relationships
Communications and Brand, Development, Governance and Chief of Staff teams, other University stakeholders
General duties
These duties below are in addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above:
Perform duties and tasks consistent within the scope and grade of your role as reasonably may be expected and assigned to you from anywhere within the university.
Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role.
Work in accordance with the University’s Staff Charter and Dignity at Work Policy and anti-racism plans, promoting equality diversity and inclusion in your work.
Undertake continuous personal and professional development, and to support it for any staff you manage through effective use of the University’s Planning and Review Conversations (PRC) scheme and staff development opportunities.
Make full use of all information and communication technologies to meet the requirements of the role and to promote organisational effectiveness.
Conduct all financial matters associated with the role in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures, as laid down in the Financial Regulations.
Contribute to the University’s Climate Action Plan and Social Purpose Strategy which sets out our principles, commitments and goals towards climate justice and our socio-environmental purpose.