This is an exciting period of strategic transformation at Aston University, Birmingham. Aston 2030 Strategy promises to redesign the development planning and delivery of professional education and training programmes around the needs of employers, businesses, and local communities. Aston University is embarking on a significant expansion of its doctoral programmes and partnerships with an ambition to double doctoral student numbers to 1,000+ by 2030. The Aston Doctoral School (ADS) is responsible for such advancement and will be known for its vitality, the rigour of its doctoral programmes and commitment to providing sector‑leading, researcher‑led training for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers as well as early career academics. The Doctoral School also plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of a positive research culture and environment for enhanced doctoral and postdoctoral researchers’ experience. The Director of Operations, who will be based in ADS, will provide operational leadership for the University’s doctoral provision (PhD and Professional Doctorates such as DBA) and postdoctoral researchers support, ensuring academic quality, student experience, regulatory compliance and innovation, while developing national and international doctoral partnerships, including joint and dual awards. The Director of Operations will report directly to and be line‑managed by the Deputy Pro Vice‑Chancellor, Research and Enterprise (REF, Doctoral School and International Research). The successful candidate will have experience of operational leadership and process improvement, knowledge of the external policy environment in which the Higher Education sector operates and issues pertinent to doctoral research, together with an ability to work authoritatively and respectfully with stakeholders across the University. Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership for the University’s doctoral provision (PhD and Professional Doctorates such as DBA) and postdoctoral researchers support. Ensure academic quality, student experience, regulatory compliance and innovation. Develop national and international doctoral partnerships, including joint and dual awards. Report directly to and be line‑managed by the Deputy Pro Vice‑Chancellor, Research and Enterprise (REF, Doctoral School and International Research).

Qualifications

Experience of operational leadership and process improvement. Knowledge of the external policy environment in which the Higher Education sector operates and issues pertinent to doctoral research. Ability to work authoritatively and respectfully with stakeholders across the University.

Benefits

Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre with excellent transport links via bus or train. The role is offered as ‘dynamic working’, which means working both on campus (expected on campus 3 days per week) and from home depending on the activity. Excellent training and development opportunities. A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days. Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers. Great family‑friendly policies. On‑site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.

Visa Sponsorship This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting. See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa #J-18808-Ljbffr