Chief Operating Officer

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives. 

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community. Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential.

We are now seeking to appoint to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO), a key member of the University’s executive team with overall management responsibility for a portfolio that includes: the Academic Registry, Estates and Facilities, Computing and Information Services and Strategic Delivery Unit. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Warden, and working closely with senior colleagues, the COO will be responsible for providing leadership to the development and effective delivery of these professional services. They will also work in partnership with other senior colleagues to build alignment across the University’s wider operations at a time of significant change and transformation in the sector.

Passionate about education and research, the successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of shaping modern, service-oriented and cost-effective professional service operations within large and complex organisations, ideally within Higher Education. They will have empathy with Durham’s purpose and values and enjoy working in close partnership with senior colleagues in pursuit of our strategic ambitions.

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women, and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

How to Apply

Durham University are working in partnership with Perrett Laver to recruit to this post. Applications submitted via this portal will not be considered.

The closing date for applications which should consist of a covering letter and full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications is 9am GMT on Monday 9^th December 2024.

Applications can be uploaded at candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/4474/chief_operating_officer. Please quote reference 7592.

To arrange an informal conversation, please email Anna Murphy (anna.murphy@perrettlaver).

Interview dates are to be confirmed.

Please visit the following links in order to find more information about the use of personal information provided by candidates to Perrett Laver and the University:

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

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