Deputy Operations Manager (72101-0122)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Management & Professional
Department
Warwick Business School
Sub Department
Masters Group
Salary
£31,406 - £40,927 per annum
Location
University of Warwick
Vacancy Overview
Full time, permanent position
In this busy and varied role, you will provide support to the Operations Manager in the delivery of operational improvements, student events and cross-portfolio activities within the Masters portfolio at Warwick Business School. You will also have day-to-day line management responsibility for the Masters Receptionist(s).
You will have significant management experience in an operational context, ideally in a HE setting. You will have the skills to effectively deliver process improvements, complemented by well-developed organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills, strong communication skills and a high level of IT literacy. You will have experience of delivering excellent customer service online and in person. You will possess excellent teamwork skills and have experience of effectively working in a matrix organisational context.
The post is primarily based at WBS at the University of Warwick, and the role may require some weekend working for which time off in lieu will be granted.
Job Description
Job Purpose
To assist senior programme management to provide high quality administrative and managerial support to all programme stakeholders by leading on the delivery of cross-portfolio projects and activities.
Duties and Responsibilities
a) Operational Projects
• Support the Operations Manager with cross-portfolio operational projects such as the creation of the masters teaching plan, ensuring accurate module records in a Management Information System (MIS) and timely information to teaching Groups to ensure the resourcing of teaching is planned in a timely way.
• Responsible for operationalising cross-portfolio activities such as in-sessional postgraduate skills support and language support inputs.
• Represent the masters group in School level activities such as timetabling.
• Responsible for coordinating/leading cross-portfolio activities, for example the graduation celebration.
• Managing archiving and storage space for the masters portfolio.
• Undertake projects for the Programmes Improvement Manager and Programmes Quality Manager, which could encompass activities throughout the entire student lifecycle.
• Support the development of a one-team culture within the masters portfolio
b) Process Improvement Activities
• Support the Operations Manager in the continuous improvement of processes and procedures for the delivery of the masters programmes.
• To champion and drive operational excellence in all areas of the masters portfolio, playing a significant role in the masters’ GROW project.
• To ensure the effective sharing of good practice across the portfolio, and to learn from excellence elsewhere in the School, University and sector
c) Collaborative Activities
• Deputise for the Operations Manager as required, which may involve contributing to all operational aspects for the effective delivery of a group of programmes in line with the School’s strategy and defined management processes.
• To collaborate with Subject Groups and other Sections within the School, as well as relevant University operations, to support operations in the masters portfolio.
• Contribute to the work of relevant meetings in the masters portfolio by providing information and reports as requested.
• Representing the masters programmes at meetings within the School and the University, as requested by the Operations Manager and feeding back to the masters portfolio as necessary
d) Data Management/Analysis
• Responsible for generating and analysing management information/data to assist in making resource allocation decisions within the Programme Teams.
• Provide ad hoc data gathering and analysis support for Programme Teams, Programme Improvement Manager and Programme Quality Manager.

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1
A good undergraduate degree or substantial directly relevant work experience. (a)
Essential Criteria 2
Significant experience as a professional manager in academic administration in a higher education institution (a)
Essential Criteria 3
Significant experience of organising student-facing activities in higher education, preferably within an academic department (a,c)
Essential Criteria 4
Significant experience of administrative systems development and maintenance (a,c)
Essential Criteria 5
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to draft discussion papers, policy/procedural documents and user-documentation and orally present clear and concise arguments (a,c)
Essential Criteria 6
Ability to identify and analyse complex organizational problems and to develop appropriate/innovative solutions, combined with the ability to motivate others and provide leadership (c,d)
Essential Criteria 7
Ability to build relationships, negotiate, and lead colleagues (academic and administrative) through change (c)
Essential Criteria 8
Ability to forward plan and manage and steer complex cross-section projects (a,c)
Essential Criteria 9
Excellent project management skills (a,c)
Essential Criteria 10
Ability to operate effectively as team leader, team member or, independently: to initiate and delegate; maintain flexibility and deal appropriately and sensitively with negotiating complex ‘political’ issues (c)
Essential Criteria 11
IT literate: knowledge of, and practical experience in, the use of office software applications (email, word processing, spreadsheets, graphics/presentational packages) and the use of relational databases in an organisational context (a)
Essential Criteria 12
Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure (a,c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Lean qualification, CIPD or CIM (a)
Further Particulars
Please note that involvement in the delivery of student events will require some flexibility in working hours (with advance notice). Working to support evening or weekend events will form part of your normal working week (currently no more than 5 times a year).
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars.
Warwick Business School (WBS) is a world-class business school at the heart of a world-class University, challenging assumptions and championing business as a force for good. From the pioneering research we undertake, to the students we help to shape, we are for the Change Makers who will impact the world for the better.
We were the first UK business school to be triple accredited by the major bodies (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB) and our courses consistently rank highly (our Distance Learning MBA is first in the world, our Executive MBA is ranked first in the UK and sixth in the world, and our MSc Management is ranked first in the UK and ninth in the world).
However, we’re more than our rankings and we’re proud to be different. We’re down to earth and approachable, and we want WBS to feel like home to our students, our staff and our alumni community. We look to provide a stimulating and fulfilling work environment for all. One where you will feel supported and encouraged to grow professionally; developing your knowledge, skills, confidence and career.
Our vision
Our vision is to be Europe’s leading University-based business school, developing transformational ideas and people that shape how we do business. This vision is supported by our three-fold mission:
1. To develop cutting-edge research that leads debate and deepens our understanding of the practice of business and management
2. To provide a transformational learning experience, enabling our stakeholders to realise their full potential
3. To work in partnership with policy and practice, both in terms of our research and teaching activities, to catalyse the impact of our work.
Everything we do is underpinned by our CORE values and driven by a commitment to a Change Maker mindset. We look for this shared commitment across our staff and student community.
• Change Makers see the bigger picture. Thinking beyond themselves and their environment, they’re open to other viewpoints and consider the ripple effect of what they do on a personal, social, and commercial level. They’re driven by having the biggest positive impact and a focus on the greater good.
• Change Makers challenge the norm. Challenging the status quo and not just accepting things at face value is when real impact and change can be delivered.
• Change Makers have the drive as well as the vision. It’s one thing having a vision but having the drive and work ethic to realise a vision is another matter. Change Makers relentlessly pursue every possible solution in order to achieve their goals.
Our CORE values
• Curiosity. We challenge, we embrace different perspectives, and we think creatively to build our future.
• Openness. We’re open to different perspectives, talking to stakeholders, listening to feedback, embracing change and pushing forward for the better.
• Restlessness. We’re not satisfied with standing still, and never stop looking for ways to improve. Constantly evaluating, we don’t stop when we’ve achieved one thing; we use all of our initiative, drive and resourcefulness to achieve more.
• Excellence At a world class university and a globally recognised business school, excellence is a given. There are no half measures at WBS.

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Other Information
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/ or are seeking sponsorship under for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
We were the first UK business school to receive the Athena SWAN Silver award for progress in gender equality and The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Closing Date
25 Jan 2022