Head, Business Operations

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Deputy Director of Business Operations to join the College of Engineering (CoE). Serving as a key strategic partner to the Dean, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving operational excellence across the College. This position acts as a central integrator across CoE's administrative and functional units, ensuring alignment between college-level initiatives and school-level operations.

You will proactively support the Dean in transforming the College through business strategy, operational oversight, and data-driven decision support. The ideal candidate thrives in a complex, fast-paced environment, brings strong strategic acumen, and is highly resourceful with a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Business Operations

• Work closely with the Dean to oversee the business operations of the College, including HR, finance, faculty affairs, research, and student administration functions.

• Partner with functional heads at the College level and with operations leads across the schools under CoE to ensure alignment, cascading of initiatives, and effective execution.

Initiative & Transformation Support

• Develop a strong understanding of the Dean's priorities and challenges and proactively propose operational solutions and process improvements to support strategic goals.

• Drive and coordinate college-wide transformation initiatives that enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.

• Champion innovation and propose strategies that support the College's long-term development goals.

Decision Support & Data Management

• Ensure the Dean and College leadership have access to accurate, timely data and insights to guide decision-making (e.g., financial balance, grant funding, manpower, research productivity).

• Identify information gaps and work with relevant functions to close them, including dashboard creation or process re-design.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted liaison between the Dean and functional heads at both College and School levels.

• Facilitate communication and ensure the effective execution of the Dean's directives across operational units.

• Serve as a key coordination point for operational matters involving the Dean, including participation in university-level or inter-college discussions related to business and administrative functions, where appropriate.

People and Change Leadership

• Promote a culture of ownership, performance, and collaboration within the College operations team.

• Support the professional development and succession planning of key administrative staff.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A recognised Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business Administration, Management, STEM-related field or other relevant disciplines; a postgraduate qualification (e.g. Master's, MBA) will be advantageous.

• Professional certifications in project management, business analytics, or process improvement (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma) would be beneficial.

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in business operations, strategic planning, administration, or management roles within a large or complex organisation (e.g., higher education, public sector, or corporate environment).

• Proven track record in leading multi-functional teams, driving operational excellence and transformation initiatives, and providing strategic support to senior leadership.

• Strong data-driven decision-making capability with proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and performance monitoring tools.

• Prior experience in the higher education or public sector environment will be an advantage but is not mandatory.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Key Competencies:

• Strong strategic and operational planning capability.

• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and performance analysis.

• Effective leadership, people management and communication skills.

• Competence in change management and process improvement.

• Sound financial and resource stewardship with a results-oriented mindset.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.