Interim Chief Operating Officer

Anderson Quigley is delighted to partner with Bournemouth University, a dynamic and forward-thinking institution renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, on the appointment of an Interim Chief Operating Officer.

Practicalities:

This will be interim for up to 9 months, with an ideally immediate/ASAP start date.

Overview:

We are seeking a highly experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a significant track record of leading change within large, complex organisations to join the University Executive Team. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, the Interim COO will play a pivotal role in driving the strategic and operational development of the university, ensuring the successful delivery of the BU2025 strategic plan and shaping the university’s future direction. This role offers a valuable opportunity to lead a broad range of professional services, including Marketing and Communications, Estates, IT Services, Fundraising and Alumni and other duties and / or areas by agreement, at one of the UK's most distinctive and ambitious universities.

Essential Criteria:

The ideal candidate will have previously operated at either COO or Deputy COO level within large and complex organisations and be an expert in strategic leadership and organisational transformation. A comprehensive understanding of Higher Education, including its purpose, governance, funding, and markets, is highly desirable. Also crucial is strong applied knowledge of financial and resource planning, performance management, and service delivery at an organisational level, with a proven track record of leading and developing teams within large and complex organisations.

Strategic experience in transforming processes, systems, data, culture, and skills to deliver a competitive advantage is crucial. The role requires excellent communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders, exceptional change leadership and management abilities, and strategic planning and implementation expertise. Additionally, the candidate should demonstrate a creative, solution-focused approach to complex problems, a strong value-based ethos, and high-quality standards. The ability to build effective partnerships and collaborations, value diversity and difference, and promote an inclusive environment is also critical for this role.

Next Steps:

If you are a forward-thinking, fast-paced and change-adept COO or Deputy COO, with experience gained within large-scale, complex organisations, and you are available to start a new interim contract shortly, we would be delighted to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact at Bournemouth University and be part of a transformative journey, contributing to their valuable mission to inspire learning, advance knowledge, and enrich society.

Anderson Quigley is acting as an advisor to Bournemouth University. An interim search process is being carried out by Anderson Quigley in addition to the public advertisement. The closing date for applications at present is 12pm on Friday 12th July, with interview slots provisionally being explored from 17th July. 

Should you wish to discuss the role further or for details on how to progress your application, please direct all enquiries to our advising consultant Akhil Yerneni, who can be reached at [email protected] or 07808 649 556.