Chief Operating Officer – UOD2136

Executive Positions
Dundee
January 27, 2026
Permanent
Urgent

Job Description

Posted on 23 January 2026 Reference: UOD2136

University Executive and Strategy Office

Full-time, Open-Ended

The University of Dundee is seeking a highly accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across a broad portfolio of professional services.

Reporting to the Principal & Vice-Chancellor, the COO is a key member of the University Executive Group and plays a central role in ensuring the effective delivery of services that support the University’s strategic objectives.

This permanent appointment follows an interim arrangement and is critical to maintaining stability, performance and alignment across the institution.

Your priorities will include:

  • Lead and coordinate major professional service areas, including Student Services, Research & Innovation Services, External Relations, Globalisation, and Strategic Planning & Insight
  • Act as a trusted advisor to the Principal and a core contributor to UEG decision-making
  • Ensure operational services are aligned with institutional strategy and delivered efficiently and effectively
  • Drive continuous improvement, organisational performance and service excellence
  • Build strong, collaborative relationships across academic and professional services communities

Who we’re looking for:

  • Substantial senior leadership experience in a complex organisation
  • A strong track record of operational leadership and service transformation
  • Excellent strategic thinking, judgement and stakeholder management skills
  • High levels of integrity, political awareness and inclusive leadership capability
  • A commitment to equality, diversity, sustainability and people-centred leadership

We are one of the UK’s leading universities – internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Conveniently located on the banks of River Tay, our main city-centre campus is at the heart of Dundee – an up-and-coming, friendly, compact and affordable city with a rich heritage in design and technology. We also have campuses at Ninewells Hospital and in Kirkcaldy which are easily accessible via local transport links.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

Sunday, 8 February 2026, 23:59

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