Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Role Description

Context

This is a pivotal moment for the University. With a major change programme already two years into implementation and a proposed merger on the horizon, the Deputy COO will play a critical role in ensuring:

• Operational stability during change
• Delivery of targeted efficiencies and savings
• Readiness for successful planned integration with Kings College London

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly credible Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Deputy COO) to play a pivotal leadership role during a period of significant organisational change and strategic transition.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and working closely with the Chief Executive and Vice Chancellor (CEVC), University Executive members and the Change Project team, the Deputy COO will support the effective operational leadership of the University and act as a key member of the senior leadership team. This role is critical in ensuring stability, performance, and delivery across Professional Services as the university progresses:

• An ongoing transformation and change programme, with defined financial and operational savings targets
• Preparations for a proposed merger with Kings College London, with completion planned by August 2027

The Deputy COO will take direct line management responsibility for designated Professional Services Unit Directors, ensuring alignment, accountability, and delivery through a complex and evolving landscape.

About You

You will be an accomplished senior leader with substantial experience in higher education or a similarly complex environment, with a strong track record of:

• Operating at Deputy COO level in a large org or COO in small org
• Project & programme management experience at institutional level
• Leading large and diverse Professional Services functions
• Delivering organisational transformation and cost reduction programmes
• Managing and leading through complex change and uncertainty
• Supporting large-scale organisational integration and merger activity

You will be comfortable operating in a deputy role, adding leadership capacity while maintaining strong alignment with the COO and wider Executive team.

Organisation: Cranfield University

Faculty or Department: Executive Office

Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire

Hours of work: 37 hours per week

Contract type: Fixed term contract

Fixed Term Period: Aligned to merger transition timeline c. 12 months

Salary: Open band commencing minimum £77,490 per annum