Head, Business Operations

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Deputy Director of Business Operations to join the College of Engineering (CoE). Serving as a key strategic partner to the Dean you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving operational excellence across the College. This position acts as a central integrator across CoEs administrative and functional units ensuring alignment between college-level initiatives and school-level operations.

You will proactively support the Dean in transforming the College through business strategy operational oversight and data-driven decision support. The ideal candidate thrives in a complex fast-paced environment brings strong strategic acumen and is highly resourceful with a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Business Operations

• Work closely with the Dean to oversee the business operations of the College including HR finance faculty affairs research and student administration functions.

• Partner with functional heads at the College level and with operations leads across the schools under CoE to ensure alignment cascading of initiatives and effective execution.

Initiative & Transformation Support

• Develop a strong understanding of the Deans priorities and challenges and proactively propose operational solutions and process improvements to support strategic goals.

• Drive and coordinate college-wide transformation initiatives that enhance efficiency effectiveness and sustainability.

• Champion innovation and propose strategies that support the Colleges long-term development goals.

Decision Support & Data Management

• Ensure the Dean and College leadership have access to accurate timely data and insights to guide decision-making (e.g. financial balance grant funding manpower research productivity).

• Identify information gaps and work with relevant functions to close them including dashboard creation or process re-design.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted liaison between the Dean and functional heads at both College and School levels.

• Facilitate communication and ensure the effective execution of the Deans directives across operational units.

• Serve as a key coordination point for operational matters involving the Dean including participation in university-level or inter-college discussions related to business and administrative functions where appropriate.

People and Change Leadership

• Promote a culture of ownership performance and collaboration within the College operations team.

• Support the professional development and succession planning of key administrative staff.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A recognised Bachelors degree preferably in Business Administration Management STEM-related field or other relevant disciplines; a postgraduate qualification (e.g. Masters MBA) will be advantageous.

• Professional certifications in project management business analytics or process improvement (e.g. PMP Lean Six Sigma) would be beneficial.

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in business operations strategic planning administration or management roles within a large or complex organisation (e.g. higher education public sector or corporate environment).

• Proven track record in leading multi-functional teams driving operational excellence and transformation initiatives and providing strategic support to senior leadership.

• Strong data-driven decision-making capability with proficiency in data analysis reporting and performance monitoring tools.

• Prior experience in the higher education or public sector environment will be an advantage but is not mandatory.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strong strategic and operational planning capability.

• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and performance analysis.

• Effective leadership people management and communication skills.

• Competence in change management and process improvement.

• Sound financial and resource stewardship with a results-oriented mindset.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.