Head of Operations and Delivery

The Innovation and Engagement (I&E) is a dynamic team within Research Services. We support, promote and coordinate innovation, knowledge exchange and engagement activities across the University and external stakeholders. This includes support for researchers and entrepreneurs who are seeking to exploit their research and business ideas, working with government, business and third sector organisations to ensure Oxford's position as a leading innovation and engagement ecosystem.
Our services include:

• innovation and knowledge exchange policy, strategy and support


• public and societal engagement with research


• due diligence for exploitation of research outputs and IP rights management


• enterprise and entrepreneurship


• regional engagement


• impact tracking, planning and evaluation

The Head of Operations and Delivery will lead and maintain oversight of the overall operations of the I&E Team, ensuring that appropriate support is provided at every level and across all functional groups within the Directorate.
What We Offer
As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees' wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme


• 38 days annual leave


• A comprehensive range of childcare services


• Family leave schemes


• Cycle loan scheme


• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans


• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working
About the Role
As the Head of Operations & Delivery within the I&E Team, your role is pivotal in realising the institution's vision outlined in its Strategic Plan. You will work across the Directorate leading the team's operations, ensuring efficient delivery of activities and projects aligned with fostering innovation and engagement. Collaborating with various units in the university, you will work across different services, Divisions and Departments.
Your responsibilities include driving team-wide projects aligned with the Knowledge Exchange Strategy and applying your expertise in change management. You'll analyse stakeholder needs, provide input on priorities, and ensure successful project implementation. Additionally, you'll oversee the development of processes, systems, and digital tools, maintaining operational efficiency and consistency.
Your leadership extends to financial management, team oversight, and fostering collaboration.

The ideal candidate for the Head of Operations & Delivery role will possess proven expertise in project management within large organisations. They should have expertise in designing systems and processes to drive efficiency and innovation. Strong organisational skills are vital.
Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate a results-oriented mindset with a focus on service excellence and experience in leading high-performing teams and managing change in complex organisations.
Effective leadership qualities, interpersonal skills, and strong communication abilities are essential for fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders. The candidate should also be able to think strategically.

Research Services, Robert Hooke Building, Oxford
The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.