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Department Manager – £35.47ph plus holiday pay - Central London
Start 31st July 2025 for three months initially

We're working with a prestigious academic institution seeking a Department Manager to lead the operational and strategic delivery of a large, interdisciplinary department. You must be fully available for the duration of this post, as no annual leave can be authorised due to the nature of the role and the busy HE period in which you will be joining.

? Please note: it is essential that you have held a similar senior management role in a UK Higher Education institution. Candidates without this experience will not be considered ?

MAIN DUTIES

* Leadership & Operations : Oversee the day-to-day running of the department, ensuring smooth delivery of all administrative, academic and research functions.

* Strategic Planning : Work closely with senior academic leadership to implement departmental strategy, drive projects and support decision-making.

* Team Management : Lead and develop a professional services team, including oversight of workload allocation, recruitment, training and team wellbeing.

* Finance & Resources : Manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditure, support grant administration and contribute to long-term financial planning.

* HR & Compliance : Ensure alignment with institutional policies, oversee HR matters and serve as a key contact for central university services.

* Education Support : Support curriculum planning, teaching delivery, timetabling and student experience processes across all programmes.

* Estates & Infrastructure : Manage space planning, office allocation, facilities liaison and ensure safe and sustainable working environments.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

* Senior management experience within a UK Higher Education institution.

* Strong understanding of academic department operations, including teaching, research and student services.

* Proven ability to lead, develop and manage multi-functional professional services teams.

* Demonstrable experience in budget management and financial oversight.

* Skilled in HR operations, recruitment processes and staff development.

* Able to interpret and implement institutional policies, regulations and compliance requirements.

* Confident working closely with senior academic and professional stakeholders.

* Highly organised, detail-oriented and able to manage competing priorities under pressure.

* Experience supporting organisational change and driving service improvements.

* Clear, diplomatic communicator who can influence and build trust across all levels.

* Fully available for the duration of this post with no annual leave scheduled.

Gray & Associates is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity