Could you be our new Head of Operations and Strategic Planning?
This is a strategic leadership role, requiring a proactive and collaborative approach to shaping the Centre’s operational effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability. The post holder will help ensure that NCCPE is not only effective in delivering its mission, but also a great place to work — where people feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.
Reporting to the NCCPE Co-Directors, you will play a pivotal role in the Centre’s senior management team, working closely with the Directors and Heads of Department to ensure the effective delivery of NCCPE’s mission.
You will be an experienced operational leader, with a strong track record of developing and delivering organisational strategies, managing teams, and driving continuous improvement. You’ll be confident navigating complex systems, making data-informed decisions, and building effective relationships across all levels.
You’ll bring excellent communication and analytical skills, a commitment to inclusive practice, and a passion for enabling others to do their best work. With a collaborative mindset and a focus on service excellence, you’ll play a key role in helping the NCCPE deliver on its mission to catalyse culture change in higher education.
Aspects of the role include:
- Providing strategic oversight of people management across the NCCPE, supporting the Co-Director and Heads of Department to implement effective HR practices and foster a positive & inclusive working culture.
- Leading recruitment, onboarding, and the annual Performance Development Review (PDR) cycle for the Centre, ensuring consistency and quality across departments.
- Managing the Operations team, including the Assistant Operations Manager and administrative staff, and ensure that each department benefits from high-level operational support and works in consistent, coordinated ways.
- Contributing to the development of NCCPE’s strategic goals and planning processes, using specialist knowledge to inform future direction, policy development, and resource allocation.
- Managing business case development and funding applications that underpin the Centre’s sustainability and growth and oversee the centre’s financial planning.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of operational systems that enable efficiency, capture strategic intelligence, and drive continual improvement
Come and join our friendly, busy team based at 4, Portwall Place in central Bristol – and help unlock the potential of universities to make a positive difference to society.
The closing date for this role is 3rd February 2026.
Please note these proposed interview dates:
- First interviews (online): 11th February
- Second interviews (in person, in Bristol, Portwall Place): 25th February
