The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

As Senior Operations Officer you will be responsible for a discrete portfolio of projects and activities essential to the efficient and effective running of the School, as discussed and agreed with the Operations Manager. This will include activities relating to HR and recruitment, workload planning, estates liaison. You will have a role in ensuring compliance with University regulations and legislation where relevant.

You may also be responsible for providing a high-quality project management service to members of academic staff across the School.                       

You will have previous experience of a professional support role and will have strong communication, organisational and problem solving skills as well as experience of project management. We are recruiting for 3 x Senior Operations Officers.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide operational support to HR activity including fixed-term contract monitoring, recruitment, contract changes, honorary and visiting applications, submitting staffing cases as needed, liaising with Heads of Section, Human Resources, Line Managers, Principal Investigators and Division and Operation Managers as necessary.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance on HR processes such as sickness absence, flexible working and performance management ensuring compliance with University regulations where relevant and resolving enquiries or escalating as needed.
• Support line managers and PIs with the planning and organising of resources, working closely with academics to determine the most appropriate solution to meet their administrative workload requirements.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager to manage and develop the operational functional areas, discussing any administrative issues, reviewing and revising policies and processes to continuously improve service delivery.
• Act as line manager to the Operations and/or Staffing teams, communicating requirements, monitoring and reviewing individual and team progress and performance and identifying any training.
• Support the SRDS processes across the Division, ensuring all the necessary requirements are met and meetings have taken place.
• Input to estates planning and undertake operational activities in this area including the re-organisation of space, planning and managing office moves.
• Maintain records relating to staff, committees and other information sources.
• Provide support to the Health and Safety Officer and act as a DSE Assessor as needed.
• Provide high quality project management support within the division, as required
• Undertake other activities as required to ensure that all administrative activities within the School are carried out in a timely and efficient manner, providing cover for colleagues in the Operations team.
• Attend relevant meetings in relation to the delegated areas to ensure knowledge is up to date and reflects best practice.
• Develop and review processes across the School and in conjunction with other colleagues
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 3rd October . This will consist of an interview and administrative test. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage the week commencing 22nd September. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact dph-section-operations@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 22.09.2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.