Harper Adams University is the leading UK Higher Education (HE) institution focused on the land-based and food supply-chain sectors with an important national and international role in these subject areas.
Much of our education, research and knowledge exchange activity is driven from our base in rural and scenic Shropshire. Our impact and our reach is regional, national and international. Around 3,000 HE students attend the University and we support over 2,000 learners undertaking CPD or similar professional training to support their careers in the agri-food chain, rural industries and veterinary professions.
Harper Adams has built up an international reputation for the quality of its courses. We have achieved the highest possible ratings in recent Quality Assurance Agency reviews. We are consistently positioned highly in a range of national rankings, performance measures and league tables. Following the arrival in November 2021 of our new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan, we are now looking to strengthen our delivery of high quality, effective and efficient professional services and infrastructure that support our Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan.
Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and as a member of the University Senior Executive Group, the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a critical role in the development and implementation of our new strategic plan. You will be responsible for university-wide physical and IT resource planning and delivery and the leadership of key professional services and on embedding environmental sustainability practices to deliver the University’s roadmap to Carbon Zero across all our campus and farming operations. You will be the champion for outstanding services across the University.
You will play an active role in the governance of the university and its subsidiary companies through the development of a robust assurance framework, and outwardly, you will represent the University to develop strong corporate, donor and civic partnerships and drive innovation in service delivery.
You will bring a proven track record of working at executive level to deliver organisational effectiveness, service improvement and leading change. You will have the expertise and skills to support strong governance, underpinned by commercial acumen to grow business and service opportunities. You will understand the opportunity that technology brings to transforming the experience of our students, employees, alumni and stakeholder, and bring experience of delivering transformation programmes at an organisational level.
As a smaller, specialist university, your contribution will inevitably be both strategic and operational. The ability to envision an ambitious future, combined with an ability to provide tactical, pragmatic solutions will be vital. A solutions mindset is essential as is a willingness to play a practical hands-on role when needed.
Although it is not essential to have experience of working in a post-18 educational environment or public sector or charitable organisation, an empathy with and understanding of the broader Higher Education landscape and its likely direction of travel and a commitment to excellence across all organisational activities is key.
The role attracts a competitive salary plus pension and Private Medical Insurance. Relocation assistance may be offered in line with the University’s Relocation Policy.
We are working with GatenbySanderson on this appointment. For a confidential conversation and to request the Candidate Pack and details on how to apply, please contact Ross Highfield, Research Lead, Education, ross.highfield@gatenbysanderson.com / 07891 138 886
The closing date for applications is Monday 14th November 2022.
Interviews are likely to be held week commencing 28th November 2022.