Interim Head of Operations (Academic and Professional Services), Urgent

Anderson Quigley is delighted to be working with The Engineering & Design Institute London (TEDI-London) on the immediate and urgent appointment of an Interim Head of Operations (Academic and Professional Services).

Terms:

This is a 6 month FTC, remunerated on an salaried basis, with a minimum of 3 days per week expected on-site in London. An immediate/ASAP start date is essential, and HE sector experience within recent similar roles is also essential.

Overview:

We are urgently seeking an experienced and hands on interim leader to provide essential operational capacity during a period of ongoing change and transformation. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Interim Head of Operations (Academic and Professional Services) will play a pivotal role in strengthening delivery, improving processes, and supporting the effective management of academic and professional services functions.

The role spans academic administration, student and teaching operations, and professional services coordination. You will embed efficient systems, ensure compliance, and work collaboratively to deliver key priorities: including planning and forecasting with Finance, supporting IT and administrative improvements, and deputising for the COO where required.

This is a highly collaborative, delivery focused role suited to a proactive higher education operations leader who combines strategic oversight with a practical, hands-on approach.

Essential Criteria:

We are looking for a confident and capable higher education operations professional with a strong background spanning both academic and professional services environments. The ideal candidate will bring experience of delivering operational improvement, embedding effective systems, and managing the complexities of academic cycles and student facing processes.

You will be highly organised and pragmatic, with sound financial and administrative acumen, strong planning and problem-solving skills, and the ability to prioritise competing demands. As a collaborative and communicative leader, you will be comfortable working across senior teams, providing solutions, and ensuring delivery in a dynamic and fast-changing environment.

Above all, you will combine strategic understanding with the willingness to roll up their sleeves and make a tangible difference from day one.

Next Steps:

Please contact Eva Tomka or Akhil Yerneni to find out more. We are interviewing on an immediate and ongoing basis until appointment.