Operations Senior Lead

Are you enthusiastic about contributing to a forward-thinking higher education institution? Is your passion for student success at the core of your professional drive? At the University of Sunderland in London (UoSiL), we are dedicated to prioritising student experience, customer service, academic quality, value for money, and continuous improvement. And now we have exciting opportunity to join us an Operations Senior Lead!

ABOUT US 

The University of Sunderland in London boasts a vibrant and diverse community of staff and students. We consider ourselves as an innovative satellite campus and are constantly evolving and have exciting plans for 2026 and beyond!

We are currently piloting a four-day working week which allows our colleagues to work 32 hours over 4 days week with no reduction in pay. The pilot is part of our ongoing efforts to create a positive and inclusive workplace that promotes work-life balance and allows our colleagues to thrive professionally and personally whilst maintaining our commitment to delivering high-quality service to all our students.

In addition, we have recently moved to a modern campus building, offering a bright and spacious learning and working environment.

ABOUT THE TEAM AND THE ROLE

This is a fantastic opportunity to join us at an exciting time of transformation and growth. Based at our modern Harbour Exchange campus near Canary Wharf, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team. As Operations Senior Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the essential services that keep our campus running smoothly; from facilities and IT systems to finance and business operations. You will lead a multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating a safe, efficient, and student-centred environment, ensuring our staff and students have the resources and support they need to thrive. Working closely with colleagues across London and Sunderland, as well as external partners, you’ll drive innovation, champion operational excellence, and make a tangible impact on the student and staff experience.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring substantial senior-level experience in leading complex operational functions within a customer-focused organisation. You’ll have a proven track record of managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering excellence across areas such as facilities management, IT systems and infrastructure, finance or health and safety. Strategic thinking combined with hands-on operational expertise is essential, as is the ability to balance long-term planning with day-to-day priorities in a fast-paced environment. You’ll be adept at risk management, business continuity planning, and driving continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making. Strong leadership and influencing skills will enable you to build trusted relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, while your financial acumen ensures effective budget and contract management. Above all, you’ll be committed to creating a safe, efficient, and student-centred environment that supports our mission and enhances the experience of everyone on campus.

WE OFFER

The opportunity to join a pilot of a pioneering 4-day-week (32 hours over 4 days)Excellent Defined Contribution Pension with additional benefits of life cover and income protectionGenerous annual leave and Christmas closure days on top of Bank HolidaysSeason Ticket LoanAccess to MyLifestyle benefit platform with plentiful of discounts and offersCycle to Work and Electric Car Salary Sacrifice schemesEnhanced maternity and paternity policiesOur commitment to training and developmentOur location in Canary Wharf with easy accessWe are accredited Living Wage Employer

Please note that in order to provide quality support to our students at all times, our professional staff work fully from the office.

To apply, click on APPLY button and register on our e-recruitment platform and complete the application form.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact Lynsey Bendon, Deputy Director (Operations & Governance) via email [email protected]

Closing Date:  Midnight 26 January 2026

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we have a sufficient response.

Closing Date: 26 Jan 2026

Team: Professional Support

Salary: £62,846 to £67,897 per annum