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Cranfield University

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This job is unavailable
    

Chief Operating Officer

Cranfield is an exclusively postgraduate university, creating leaders in technology and management.

We work closely with business, industry and government across the world.  Through our industry partnerships, applied research projects and our executive education and professional development programmes, we work with over 1,500 companies and organisations. 

We are focused on the specialist themes of aerospace, defence and security, energy and power, environment and agrifood, manufacturing, transport systems, and water. The Cranfield School of Management is a world leader in management education and research.

At Cranfield University we partner with business to deliver research, postgraduate education and professional development

# **Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Deputy COO)**

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

Posted Date

19/06/2026

Apply by

03/07/2026

## **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.

Cranfield University

Jobs

Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer

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