University of Sheffield - Faculty Director of Operations - Faculty of Engineering

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in The University of Sheffield. We are seeking to appoint a new Faculty Director of Operations (FDO) for the Faculty of Engineering. This is a critical leadership role and the postholder will lead professional services in the Faculty, working with peers from other Faculties in line with a One University approach.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of the biggest and best engineering faculties in the UK and strives for excellence in its teaching and world-class research. As Faculty Director of Operations, you will work alongside the Faculty Vice-President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Faculty Operations) to ensure the successful performance of the Faculty of Engineering and support the effective implementation of the University Vision and Strategy across the Faculty.

You will be an experienced leader with a demonstrable ability to shape and influence strategy, operate with confidence and agility in a complex organisation and support change within the Faculty and across the wider University.

We are interested to hear from a diverse range of candidates, both from within higher education and from other relevant sectors. If you can see yourself in the above description, please do contact our search partners, details below, for a confidential conversation and we look forward to receiving your application.

About the University of Sheffield

To find out what makes the University of Sheffield a remarkable place to work, watch this short film:

The University of Sheffield is special. We are a world class institution at the heart of our city, with a strong culture of collaboration. Driven by outstanding people working as One University, we believe our work has the power to change lives for those who study, teach and undertake research here and for those who benefit from the breakthroughs we make every day. We are proud of our past, yet it is the future that really excites us.

Our global reputation is reflected by the outstanding quality of our student experience. We are home to 29,000 of the brightest students and over 8,000 staff from more than 140 countries. Our Students’ Union has been voted the best in the UK for the last 5 years, and we are investing heavily as an institution in sector-leading teaching and learning facilities. We want Sheffield to be an international centre of excellence for centuries to come, so we recruit ambitious, creative people from across the globe and we nurture their talent.

Our world-leading research has a real impact on our economy and society and helps enrich our teaching. In REF 2021, 92 per cent of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Our four University of Sheffield Research Institutes are actively addressing some of our most pressing global social, economic and health challenges. They build on some of our acknowledged areas of research excellence and will bring together people from across all our faculties to maximise our existing strengths and support new ambitions.

Sheffield has six Nobel Prize winners among former staff and students and our alumni go on to hold positions of great responsibility and influence all over the world, making significant contributions in their chosen fields.

We work with our partners across the Sheffield City Region, other leading universities, governments and multinational companies to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today, from sustainable energy and food production to the global economy. Our partnerships with companies, including Boeing, Rolls-Royce, Siemens and McLaren, set a new standard for industrial research. Our Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) has a global reputation for helping companies overcome manufacturing problems and is a model for collaborative research involving universities, academics and industry worldwide.

For more information, follow @sheffielduni and @ShefUniJobs on Twitter.

Our Vision and Strategic Plan

Through our 4 pillars of Research, Innovation, Education and One University, we will deliver life-enhancing research, innovation and education that not only transforms the lives of our graduates but shapes the world we live in.

Research
Our distinctive and innovative research will be world-leading and world- changing. We will produce the highest quality research to drive intellectual advances and address global challenges.

Innovation
Our transformative research and enterprise will address the worldʼs most pressing challenges. We will enable and promote a culture of excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship across the University.

Education
Our research-led programmes will inspire, enthuse and challenge a diverse community of outstanding students. Our graduates will be equipped to stand out as confident global citizens guided by strong values, ethics and standards, able to make meaningful contributions to society.

One University
We will build a diverse community of staff and students from a broad range of backgrounds, demographics and cultures, and create an inclusive, supportive and collaborative environment in which they can succeed and flourish.

Find out more about our Vision and Strategic Plan.

Our Story

115 years in the making, our story continues to evolve every day, defined not just by our achievements but by the unique character of our people and this remarkable city.

Our Values

We believe the best way to achieve our Vision and Strategic Plan is by fostering an ambitious, inclusive, collaborative community through our values.

We are, and will always be, guided by our values:

We are ambitious and strive for excellence in all that we do.
We believe in collaborative working. We champion an inclusive and diverse community.
We are responsible – for our people and the wider world.
We are open and transparent about the decisions we make.

The Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering is one of the biggest and best engineering faculties in the UK and strives for excellence in its teaching and world-class research. Independent assessments of our research excellence confirm more than two thirds of our research to be either internationally excellent or world leading.

Our expertise is extensive – our seven academic departments and two interdisciplinary programme areas cover all the engineering disciplines.

They are leaders in their fields and outstanding contributors to the development of new knowledge, linking their research to the teaching of the engineers of the future and developing the skills of existing engineers. Our vision is to compete to be the best engineering faculty in the UK, and to be amongst the best in the world. Indeed, we were ranked 110th globally by the recent Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings.

We aim to work across the full spectrum of engineering activity, from fundamental science to professional practice, and we will contribute fully to ensuring a sustainable future both locally and globally.
The Faculty has close links with the Advanced Manufacturing Group (AMG). The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), AMRC Training Centre and Nuclear AMRC form a world-leading cluster for research, innovation and training, and work with advanced manufacturing companies around the globe. The AMG was created in 2011 in response to the continued success and growth of the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). It includes: AMRC with Boeing, Nuclear AMRC, Knowledge Transfer Centre and the AMRC Training Centre.

For further details about the Faculty of Engineering, please see our website.

Our Research and its Impact

Sheffield is a leading global university. Our research in the arts and humanities, engineering, medicine, science and social sciences, changes lives for the better and advances our understanding of what it means to be human.

We work with other leading universities, governments and multinational companies to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today, from sustainable energy and food production to the global economy.

The Faculty of Engineering has a long-established reputation for producing world-leading research, and we are proud to have come 8th in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 in terms of the quality of our research. We are also rated as top nationally for the quality of our research environment, showing that the faculty is a vibrant, innovative and supportive place to undertake research.
As engineers, we aim to make the world a better place. Our excellent fundamental research, fostered by a diverse environment, drives discoveries and innovations. Our four challenge-driven research themes, shaped by societal grand challenges, connect our partners and translational centres, these are:

Manufacturing
Energy
Engineering for Life
Infrastructure and Environment

Our research is routinely interdisciplinary, and we have a broad range of strong collaborations with higher education and industrial partners nationally and internationally. Our ethos of collaboration is reflected in our leadership of the University of Sheffield Flagship Energy Institute and by the range and depth of research centres and institutes led from within the Faculty. Our partnerships include effective cross-faculty partnerships, such as with colleagues in Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health and the Faculty of Science on insilico medicine (INSIGNEO).

Over the next five years, our plans will be aimed at growing capacity for excellent, world-leading, ambitious and interdisciplinary research. This will be achieved through maximising grant funding, fostering international collaboration in research and building a sector-leading research culture.
We share the institutional ambition to achieve world-leading impacts for our research beneficiaries across the public, private, third and community sectors. We shall achieve this from the foundation of a portfolio of excellent funded research, strong engagement with and further development of broad-based partnerships. You can also read more about how we are addressing social and cultural challenges in our REF impact case studies.

Our Education and Student Experience

Excellence in research-led learning is one of our core values. We teach in creative and innovative ways to provide a stimulating and inspiring learning environment for our students. This is reflected by our repeated excellent performance in the National Student Survey and other league tables, showing us to be highly committed to the delivery of excellent teaching.

Our teaching is research-led and our staff are some of the leading researchers in their field. The University was rated in the top 10 in the UK for ‘research power’. This gives our students the opportunity to study with top-flight researchers to gain the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Sheffield graduates not only have an excellent grounding in their subject area but also in the personal and intellectual qualities needed for rewarding employment and a fulfilling life beyond university. Sheffield graduates are highly regarded by employers and enjoy excellent career prospects.

Our commitment to continuous improvement includes further work to enhance the quality of our digitally enhanced teaching and student experience and to embed the Sheffield Graduate Attributes in all of our UG and PG programmes in ways that will improve the employability outcomes for all our graduates.

As FDO, you would take a lead on student recruitment for the Faculty, working closely with the University’s shared Student Recruitment, Marketing and Admissions service, Directors of Recruitment and admissions tutors. This would include taking the lead on an ongoing process of portfolio review to ensure that departments offer a balanced and innovative range of relevant, attractive and sustainable programmes.

A remarkable place to work

Our staff and their collective talent is the first and foremost priority for an organisation that wishes to change the world for the better through the power and application of ideas and knowledge.

We are creating a remarkable place to work. We want our staff to be healthy, happy and engaged.

We encourage our staff to pursue the extraordinary. We reward and recognise generously the contributions, values and behaviours that align with those of the University. We want staff to be themselves and feel that they belong.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

Our aim is to bring together diverse teams with the relative skills, strengths and identities to make a positive impact on the
University and the world. We want to hear from people who are as committed as we are to putting diversity, inclusion and belonging into practice to make the most significant contribution we can to rising to the great challenges of the century.

The city of Sheffield

This is a vibrant, friendly, safe city surrounded by some of the most breath-taking countryside in the UK. It offers an excellent quality of life and proudly has the highest retention of students of any UK city – many students and staff come here and never leave.

Sheffield has been called the UK’s greenest city; there are 50 public parks and 170 woodlands within the city boundary. England’s fourth-largest city, it has the wealth of facilities you’d expect to find in a major city, yet more than a third of the city lies inside the Peak District National Park. It is the UK’s only city with a National Park within its boundary, but it offers much more than beautiful countryside.

Sheffield is geographically diverse, nestled in a natural amphitheatre created by seven hills, and fed by five rivers. This diversity has given rise to an exceptional range of activities available, from walking or climbing in the Peak District, to exploring one of the cafes and restaurants on Kelham Island, or exploring independent shops in the antique’s quarter.

The city of Sheffield contains an abundance of entertainment and cultural activities including award- winning theatres, museums and galleries, a variety of clubs and live music venues, and a range of spectator and participation sports. With a thriving cultural industries quarter and a range of city-wide events throughout the year, there is something on offer to suit everyone’s taste and interests.

Located in the centre of the UK, at the heart of an excellent transport network, the M1 and M62 are within easy reach, there are six international airports within 65 miles and a rail links to every corner of the UK, and beyond. The main University campus lies on the western edge of the city centre and is easy to get to by car, bus and tram.
To find out more about how we work with partners and friends in Sheffield to help shape a culturally and economically vibrant city visit here.

The role

Faculty Director of Operations - Faculty of Engineering (AQ2067)

Apply now

JOB DESCRIPTION

As Faculty Director of Operations, you will work alongside the Faculty Vice-President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Faculty Operations) to ensure the successful performance of the Faculty of Engineering and support the effective implementation of the University Vision and Strategy within the Faculty, using a One University approach.

This is a significant leadership role with the opportunity to positively impact on the performance of the faculty in areas including; student recruitment, student experience, research income, financial sustainability, workforce planning, development and change, and process improvement.

Within the University, our faculties and their leadership are responsible for:

Operational planning and delivery of Faculty-level responses to university strategies and policies.
Overall accountability for the performance of constituent departments.
Devolved budgetary accountability to make investment and disinvestment decisions across the faculty in line with agreed University strategies, with professional services decisions made in conjunction with relevant professional services director in line with agreed institutional strategies and budgets.
Ensuring consistency of university academic and quality standards in all areas of delivery both within the Faculty and in Faculty contributions to cross University initiatives.
Ensuring the Faculty and its Departments operate within the University’s policy framework and that Departments comply with and contribute to the development of university strategies, policies and consistent ways of working.
Providing a conduit for core communications from the University Executive Board to departments and vice-versa.

We are seeking an individual with a wide range of skills who can support the Vice-President of Engineering in a number of ways, from the provision of high-quality professional advice to leading large projects and assuming areas of significant responsibility within the Faculty. The ability to shape and influence strategy, contribute across the full range of Faculty operations, and ensure continual performance enhancement are critical. The ability to operate with confidence and agility in a complex organisation is important, as are the core skills of leadership and influencing. The ability to work collaboratively across faculty and wider university boundaries using One University values is essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

Support the Vice-President and Head of Faculty in developing and delivering the Faculty’s 5-year strategic plan and associated departmental plans in a way which is consistent with the University’s Vision and Strategy.
Provide strategic and operational advice and insight to the Vice-President and Head of Faculty on a wide range of matters including staffing, finance, resource planning and estates, and then developing and leading the delivery of associated plans.
Play a leading role as a member of the Faculty Executive Board (FEB) alongside the Vice-President and Head of Faculty, the Heads of Departments, academic directors and key professional service staff.
With the Vice President and Head of Faculty, mentor and guide other members of the FEB team (for example new Heads of Department and Directors) as needed.
Play a leading role at a faculty level in delivering a range of University wide change activity in partnership principally with the Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Faculty Operations) and Chief Operating Officer, as well as other senior University level colleagues.
Play an active role in key strategic and operational activities including workforce planning and resourcing requirements, budget setting for departments and the faculty, income planning including student recruitment and research income, human resources strategy including reward and recognition.
Provide leadership of Faculty professional administrative and technical services to support the
delivery of an outstanding student experience, teaching and world-class research, working in partnership with central Professional Service and Faculty Directors via dual reporting in key elements of Faculty-based professional services such as those supporting HR, Finance, research support, knowledge exchange and student recruitment.
Ensure continuous improvement and efficiency of professional services staff and functions and lead on transformational change in these areas, in line with wider strategic change initiatives.
Provide professional and constructive challenge and advice to Heads of Department and academic Faculty Directors to support them in delivering their strategic and operational agendas.
Provide management and coaching to departmental managers and professional staff within the faculty and facilitate supportive collective leadership.
Work in partnership with Professional Services leads in HR, Finance, and Planning, Performance and Business Intelligence, to ensure effective running of all matters relating to staff and students in the faculty.
Work actively with the Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Faculty Operations), other FDOs, central Professional Services Directors and others to ensure that effective professional services are provided to the faculty and its academic departments whilst avoiding duplication or conflicting working practices and approaches.
Lead and support major projects within and beyond the Faculty in support of University strategic aims including instigating and leading transformational change. It is anticipated that the role will have a proportion of time committed to corporate / inter-Faculty activities.
● Assist the Vice-President and Head of Faculty in the setting of departmental budgets and take responsibility for managing delegated budgets in line with Faculty and University plans.
● Keep a close and active watch on developments in the wider HE sector for the benefit of the Faculty
and University.
● Participate in key University committees for business critical activities.
● As a leader, foster an inclusive culture which promotes excellence through diversity.
● As a member of our professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviors set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework.
As a member of university staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Key Relationships

Reports jointly to the Vice-President and Head of Faculty and the Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Faculty Operations).
Work closely with key members of the Faculty such as the Faculty Director of Research and Innovation, Faculty Director of Education and Faculty Director of One University Strategy Delivery and other members of the Faculty Executive Board.
Departmental Managers report jointly to the Faculty Director of Operations (or their delegate) and the relevant Head of Department.
Work closely with other members of the University Executive Board and Professional Services Directors.
Work closely with other Faculty Directors of Operations across the University.
Work in partnership with key contacts for the faculty from central Professional Service departments.
Represent the Faculty to external stakeholders.,

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Candidates will be able to evidence that they meet the following criteria. We will use a range of selection methods to measure candidates’ abilities in these areas including reviewing your online application, seeking references, inviting shortlisted candidates to interview and other forms of assessment relevant to the post.
We are seeking someone who is:

Open, collaborative and approachable with drive, flexibility, creativity and vision.
Able to build, develop effectively and lead a diverse and interdisciplinary team.
Able to use strong analytical skills and set a clear direction.
Excellent in their interpersonal approach, with excellent communication skills and diplomacy and who can therefore command the respect of the academic community and engage effectively with a range of internal and external partners.
Able to take on and resolve complex and often conflicting problems.
Able to demonstrate successful leadership and delivery of a large, varied portfolio within a complex environment where there is a need to rely on influence and persuasion rather than hierarchy and an ability to work to, and meet, deadlines.
A skillful strategist with demonstrable capacity to identify and build on the alignments between different stakeholders.
Experienced in leading change within a large and complex organization, with clear results.
Aware of the national context for Higher Education in the UK.

We build teams of people whose skills, contributions and identities complement each other to the greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms has a positive impact on the University and the world. We are keen to hear from candidates from a wider range of backgrounds with an empathy for the benefits of equality, diversity and inclusion, and widening participation.

Apply now

Terms of appointment

This is a significant and strategic appointment with high expectations, and so the successful candidate will be offered an enhanced package to enable them to become established quickly. We offer an excellent reward and benefits package including:

Salary
This is a Professorial Equivalent role, with a salary range of £66,857 – £87,173 per annum.

Holidays
30 days, plus 3 closure days, plus 8 bank holidays per year. There is also the opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days of annual leave.

Pension
The postholder is eligible to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), a highly regarded contributory pension scheme.

Hybrid working
Provision of appropriate personal IT equipment to enable flexible/hybrid working across and beyond the campus. Please note that the successful postholder would typically be expected to be campus based at least 3 days per week, but exact arrangements could be discussed. We are happy to explore flexible delivery of the role, as long as we are able to meet business needs.

Additional benefits

A generous removal/relocation expenses package subject to the terms of the scheme.
An excellent health and wellbeing offer that promotes happiness and wellbeing amongst our staff through a broad range of inclusive activities.
A comprehensive selection of lifestyle benefits and offers to suit your needs under the umbrella of The Deal.
Access to our award-winning management development programmes.
Access to extensive development and training opportunities.
A tailored induction and development plan to help you get established in the role quickly and to support you in achieving your career aspirations.

For further information, please see our Staff Benefits page.

Health assessment
All new employees will undertake a Health Assessment Questionnaire. The questionnaire is to assess the individual’s fitness for the job role that they have been offered and ensures appropriate health advice and guidance can be provided.

How to apply

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to the University, an executive search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement.

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday, 14^th August 2023.

Panel Interviews will take place on 14th and 15th September (TBC).

Applications should consist of:

A full CV.
A covering letter (maximum of two pages) outlining how you meet the essential experience criteria of the person specification.
Please include details of two referees in your CV, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.

Should you wish to discuss the role in strict confidence, please contact Samantha Bryan-Ross on +44 (0)7510 384 713, samantha.bryan-ross@andersonquigley.com or Kiersten Avery on +44 (0)7510 384 735 or kiersten.avery@andersonquigley.com.

Appointment of the Faculty Director of Operations - Faculty of Engineering