Head of Operations supporting the University of Surrey, Gift City, India

University of Surrey, UK :: Head of Operations, GIFT City, Gujarat, India

Introduction to University of Surrey (UOS)

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. We are proud to find ourselves ranked consistently as one of the best universities for study in the UK and globally. We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee. Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

• About UOS GIFT City Campus
• The University of Surrey GIFT City campus is a key part of the University's international strategy, extending Surrey's global presence and delivering a world-class student experience in one of India's leading international technology and business hubs. As a newly established campus, we are entering an exciting phase of growth and development, providing opportunities to help shape systems, processes and ways of working that will support its long-term success. Professional and operational services will play a critical role in supporting the campus's academic mission, ensuring the effective delivery of services to students, staff and external stakeholders.

About the Role

The Head of Operations is a strategic and operational leader responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and long-term planning of the University of Surrey Gift City campus. Under the guidance of the Dean, this role ensures the campus operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the university’s values, and academic goals.

The Director collaborates with academic, administrative, and external stakeholders to support academic excellence, student success, faculty engagement, and community partnerships. This role also ensures compliance with international standards and local regulations.

Reporting

Reports to Dean – University of Surrey Gift City Campus

Manages 2 FTE, Office Manager and Finance Manager

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operations Management : Be the key liaison and account manager between external service providers in India and University of Surrey. Develop and implement operational strategies that support the university’s mission and international growth as well as the vision of the Dean. Ensure operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service excellence across all departments.

Leadership & Governance : Serve as a strategic advisor to the Dean and collaborate with academic leadership. Effectively Chair the Operations Committee. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Lead cross-functional teams and manage senior operational staff.

International Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with local laws, international education standards, and accreditation requirements. Oversee risk management, health and safety, and crisis response planning.

Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation. Monitor financial performance and implement cost-control measures.

Campus Development & Infrastructure: Oversee campus facilities, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives. Ensure the campus infrastructure supports academic and student life needs.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, partners, and vendors. Represent the university in international forums and strategic partnerships.

Role Scope and Impact

Accountability: The post holder will be accountable for delivery against agreed KPIs and targets for regarding the development of the University of Surrey Gift City Campus.

Problem solving : The post holder will be capable of working largely autonomously, and without close line management supervision when necessary, and must be able to use their expertise and judgement to develop appropriate campus strategies and plans.

The post holder will be expected to use their previous experience and technical skills to resolve issues that fall within their remit. Resolution of these issues will usually be through reference to previous experience and technical knowledge of similar problems or through applying departmental policies and procedures. When faced with new issues, the post holder is required to identify the nature of the problem or issue through analysis and to apply reasonable personal initiative and judgement (where past experience does not apply) to identify a suitable and timely resolution in the Universities’ best interests.

When travelling on university business, the post holder will work largely autonomously and without close line management supervision and must use their discretion, experience and judgement to deal with situations at the University and when representing the University as they arise.

The post-holder will be expected to take a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision- making.

The post holder is expected to refer more complex issues or those outside of the remit of their role to the Dean, Gift City Campus for guidance, but in these cases, they are expected to have a high degree of involvement in finding and implementing resolutions to the issue and communicating this accordingly.

The post holder will be expected to provide guidance at a senior level to support the resolution of problems and to input into campus strategy.

The post holder is expected to have a high degree of entrepreneurial ability, to be able to support the initial establishment and contribute towards growth and maturity.

Additional Information

The post holder will be expected to represent the University at a high level. This includes meeting with external stakeholders including government agencies, partners and vendors.

The post holder is expected to maintain a high level of expertise and knowledge about global accreditation bodies and international education trends.

Qualifications

Professionally qualified with a relevant degree/postgraduate qualification (ideally MBA or Doctorate), plus broad demonstrable management experience in similar or related roles. Or:

Substantial vocational and relevant management experience demonstrating management ability in an appropriate professional or specialist area, and success in similar or related roles, supported by evidence of significant appropriate specialist knowledge.

Must Have

Minimum of 10 years senior leadership experience, preferably in higher education or international operations.

Good IT skills, including experience of using Microsoft Dynamics, Outlook, Word, Excel and SITS.

Significant experience in managing complex, multicultural institutions.

Proven communication and interpersonal skills, including effective stakeholder and relationship management across different levels of seniority

Strong financial acumen and operational expertise.

Experience of dealing with cultural sensitivity issues requiring tact, diplomacy, and a calm approach in difficult situations.

Extensive experience of working in or with international education institutions

Experience of project management.

A valid passport and willingness to travel.

Most important traits to succeed

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Planning and Organising

Continuous Improvement

Problem Solving and Decision Making Skills

Managing and Developing Performance

Creative and Analytical Thinking

Influencing, Persuasion and Negotiation Skills

Strategic Thinking and Leadership

Flexibility to work/ travel occasional evenings and weekends may be required to support campus events and operational needs.

"Please note that this vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disa