University for the Creative Arts

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is the second largest provider of creative education within Europe, with a student population of over 6,000 from all corners of the globe. Our campuses across Surrey and Kent are vibrant communities, each specialising in different areas of the creative industries. UCA is a university free of borders and boundaries – there are no limits to the possibilities for our staff and students, especially as we aim to establish ourselves as a global authority on the creative industries. UCA was named Modern University of the year in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 and ranked 32 in the Guardian’s 2022 University Guide.

UCA is seeking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer. This role is integral as UCA looks to achieve its exciting vision for the future. Reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor and working closely with the leadership team, the COO will be responsible for ensuring UCA’s business strategy – both operationally and financially – is delivered and maintained. They will also be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the finance and corporate resources function nationally and internationally. In addition, the COO will provide strategic and operational leadership to the estate, facilities, and digital infrastructure, and ensure that these are underpinned by robust finances.

The appointed candidate will have a strong track record of leading, delivering and developing diverse professional services, which underpin a large and complex organisation. They will be an experienced senior manager, who is confident in working at Board level to lead strategy, manage risk, drive performance and engage internal and external stakeholders. A deeply embedded customer focus ethos and high-quality standards will be essential to this role. The ideal candidate will be someone who is passionate about driving forward organisational excellence as part of a supportive and ambitious team and who relishes the opportunity to make a real difference.

UCA aims to be a welcoming and inclusive University that is truly representative of all of the diversity in society. We particularly encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic groups and people with disabilities who are currently under-represented within the University.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University for the Creative Arts on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference MAUCH. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 17 February.