Registry Operational Manager

The University of Derby is entering an exciting period of transformation as we progress the Student 360 project, a major programme designed to enhance the student experience and improve how we deliver services across the student lifecycle. To support this work, we are seeking Registry Operational Managers to provide senior operational leadership and flexible management capacity across key areas of Registry. These fixed-term roles will enable experienced colleagues to contribute to strategic project activity while ensuring that core Registry services continue to operate effectively, particularly during peak periods such as enrolment, assessment, awards, compliance activity and student records management.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced operational managers who can lead teams, manage competing priorities and support service improvement in a complex environment. Working across Registry functions, you will provide day-to-day leadership, maintain service continuity, manage operational risk and support colleagues through a period of significant change. You will bring strong people management skills, sound judgement, a collaborative approach and the ability to use data and insight to improve services.

The role will require you to be able and willing to work flexibly across different Registry functions and support key University activities, including occasional evening or weekend work where needed.

Principal Accountabilities:

- Provide operational leadership and management for designated Registry services, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of high-quality services.
- Support the development and implementation of strategic objectives, translating these into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
- Lead, motivate and develop teams, creating an inclusive, high-performing culture that promotes wellbeing, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Ensure services comply with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, University regulations, policies and procedures.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across academic and professional service departments to deliver integrated and student-focused services.
- Lead and support service reviews, process redesign and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and customer experience.
- Use management information, performance metrics and key performance indicators to monitor service performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Lead operational delivery during periods of peak activity and coordinate resources effectively to meet service demands.
- Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures and guidance to support effective service delivery and compliance.
- Lead projects and project activities that contribute to Registry and University priorities, ensuring delivery of agreed outcomes within timescales and available resources.
- Analyse complex information and prepare reports, recommendations and business cases to support decision-making at operational and strategic levels.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor and professional representative of The Registry.
- Identify, assess and manage operational risks, ensuring appropriate controls and mitigation measures are in place.
- Promote and support the effective use of technology and digital solutions to improve processes, data quality, reporting capability and customer experience.
- Represent The Registry on University committees, working groups and external networks as required.
- Deputise for senior leaders when required.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications:
- Degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Experience:
- Significant experience of managing operational services and/or teams within a complex organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of leading, developing and motivating staff to achieve service objectives.
- Experience of delivering service improvement, change management or transformation initiatives.
- Experience of developing, implementing and reviewing policies, procedures and operational processes.
- Experience of managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes within challenging timescales.
- Experience of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders across organisational boundaries.
- Experience of leading or contributing to complex projects and delivering successful outcomes.
- Experience of analysing performance data and using evidence to inform decision-making and service development.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels.
- Ability to think strategically whilst maintaining operational focus.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to interpret and apply regulatory, statutory and policy requirements.
- Ability to identify risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Sound understanding of customer-focused service delivery principles.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and make informed decisions.
- Proficiency in using systems, data and reporting tools to support operational management and performance monitoring.
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and creating a positive working environment.

Business Requirements:
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time (e.g. Graduation, Clearing and Open Days), including outside normal working hours such as evenings and weekends.
- Willingness and ability to work across different Registry functions and service areas as required.
- Willingness to travel between University locations where necessary.

Desirable Criteria:

Qualifications:
- Relevant postgraduate qualification and/or management qualification.

Experience:
- Experience of working within Higher Education.
- Experience of Admissions, student administration, student services, academic administration or related Registry functions.
- Experience of working within a regulated environment.
- Experience of using business process improvement methodologies.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Knowledge of the UK Higher Education sector and regulatory environment.
- Knowledge of student lifecycle processes and systems.

Benefits:
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers.
- Discounted onsite gym.
- Access to employer-funded Private Health Insurance.
- Holiday purchase.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- A flexible working environment.
- A commitment to personal and professional development.