The College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CoHASS) at NTU is seeking an experienced Director, Operations to lead and transform its administrative and operational functions. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for driving operational excellence, delivering strategic initiatives, and enabling the Dean and College leadership to achieve their long-term priorities.

As Director, Operations, you will:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of senior administrators, including both direct reports and matrix teams across Schools and Centres.

• Translate strategy into action by implementing cross-College initiatives, streamlining operations, and improving administrative and financial processes.

• Drive organisational change and operational innovation, creating more efficient, standardised, and scalable systems to support academic and research excellence.

• Collaborate across boundaries, building strong partnerships with Schools, Centres, and University leadership to enable interdisciplinary teaching, research, and shared operational goals.

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Dean and senior leadership on governance, risk, compliance, and institutional effectiveness, influencing decision-making and ensuring follow-through.

• Deliver measurable outcomes, ensuring that operational, financial, and strategic objectives are achieved efficiently, effectively, and sustainably.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Lead operational planning and execution of College-wide strategic initiatives.

• Shape long-term strategies and anticipate emerging needs in alignment with University priorities.

• Advise on policy, governance, and institutional effectiveness.

Organisational Effectiveness & Change

• Develop and refine administrative structures, business processes, and service delivery models.

• Drive cross-functional improvements and harmonise practices across Schools and Centres.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with University policies and external regulations.

• Mitigate risks, maintain internal controls, and advise leadership on governance matters.

Operations & Financial Stewardship

• Oversee budgets, grants, procurement, and operational resources.

• Identify opportunities for operational enhancement and implement improvement initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships across academic, professional, and administrative units.

• Represent the College on University-wide committees, taskforces, and review boards.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture.

• Promote staff development, knowledge exchange, and innovation across administrative teams.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree; postgraduate qualification in Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred.

• 10–15+ years of progressive experience in higher education administration or large, complex organisations, with strategic and operational leadership.

• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and driving organisational change.

• Strong knowledge of governance, compliance, and financial management.

• Track record of building partnerships and influencing in a matrix environment.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strategic and operational leadership, translating vision into measurable outcomes.

• Strong people leadership, motivating and developing direct and matrix teams.

• Stakeholder management and collaboration across complex environments.

• Operational and financial acumen to manage resources effectively.

• Project and program management skills, ensuring initiatives are delivered with impact.

• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Agility, resilience, and ability to perform in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

• Digital literacy for effective coordination and reporting.

Personal Attributes:

• Collaborative and diplomatic, building trust and strong relationships.

• Proactive and results-oriented, driving initiatives to completion.

• High integrity and discretion, handling sensitive information professionally.

• Adaptable and resilient, thriving under ambiguity and pressure.

• Innovative and solution-focused, continuously seeking improvements.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Hiring Institution: NTU