Head of Administration and Finance

Location: Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford

This post presents an excellent opportunity to join the leadership team of a thriving academic department for a fixed-term, or on secondment. The Mathematical Institute is one of the world’s leading mathematics departments and our research, impact, and environment were all ranked first in the UK in the 2021 and 2014 Research Excellence Framework exercises. The department has around 250 staff on the main payroll (including over 100 faculty members). Teaching is central to the life of the department, and there are around 950 undergraduate students (including joint courses with other subjects), around 250-300 graduate students, and around 250 Masters students across 5 programmes. Annual turnover is budgeted at £35M (in FY22/23).

The department moved into the purpose-built Andrew Wiles Building in 2013. The building provides excellent facilities for departmental members, and is also heavily used by the wider university and public. The department runs a vibrant and varied programme of public outreach events throughout the year.

As the Head of Administration & Finance (HAF), you will play a crucial role in supporting the Head of Department and other senior academic colleagues in the management of the department. You will act as the department’s chief operating officer, taking responsibility for the implementation of departmental strategy and the delivery of outstanding operational support for academic staff, researchers and students. You will play an important role in the formulation of strategy. Supported by the heads of the functional teams, you will have oversight for the effective and efficient day-to-day operational management of the department in support of its academic mission, with overall responsibility for around 65 professional services staff, with 7 direct reports.

You will also be expected to contribute more widely to the MPLS Division and the University both as an active member of the Divisional Registrar’s senior team and as a senior member of the wider Professional Services across the University.

You will be a highly experienced, resilient and innovative leader, who will be accountable for the delivery of high quality and responsive support for departmental customers. You will have sound judgement under pressure, be able to think laterally and creatively, and have the intellectual capacity and strength of character to take and implement important, complex, and sometimes difficult decisions. You will be capable of commanding the respect of academic and research staff in the department as well as the respect of the operational staff. You will already have significant management experience in an academic (or closely related) environment and a proven ability to manage change and respond positively to new challenges.

Applicants should read the job description document before writing their application. You will be required to upload a supporting statement, setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of three referees as part of your online application. Applications for this vacancy are to be made online.

Only applications received before 12:00 noon UK time on Monday 16^th September 2024 can be considered.

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