Head of Operations (Infrastructure and Compliance)

The Role

The Head of Operations role holder will lead the Facilities and Welcome Desk teams in the effective delivery of the day-to-day operational functions. They will also be integral in developing and implementing building and facilities improvement strategies and lead on the SU's compliance measures, including Health and Safety and Governance. This position is essential for the SU in ensuring robust alignment with external legislation and requirements, and ensuring relevant business continuity and risk management across the organisation.

Reporting into the Directors of Social Enterprise and People, Equity and Organisational Development, the role holder will work closely with senior leadership colleagues, and also manage a number of direct reports from their areas.

We are looking for someone with experience of managing, influencing and motivating different groups of staff, stakeholders and managers to deliver on operational and strategic plans within a complex organisation. Knowledge of managing and reporting on different and multiple legislative frameworks specifically around Health and Safety, Business Continuity and Major Incident planning is required for this role, as is the understanding of managing capital building improvement and refurbishment projects through working with facilities teams and external contractors.

Please Click here for the full Job Description and Person Specification

Working at the Students’ Union

We exist to represent, support and enhance the lives of our members. We’ve done so since 1906. We are an independent charity and work closely with the University to achieve a world-class student experience. We’ve got a fantastic modern building featuring cafes, two shops, four bars, an advice centre, an activities and sports zone, where students can join over 400 sports clubs and societies. There’s something different happening in the SU every day: from club nights to film screenings, live music, theatrical performances and fascinating talks. We offer a relaxed space for students to take time out. We also have a nursery and offer childcare. We’ve been rated the best Students’ Union in the UK by the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey for ten years running!

Creating a more diverse team

Sheffield Students’ Union is committed to creating a fairer, more equal, more diverse and inclusive, more diverse and liberated workforce.

What we are currently doing to create an inclusive workplace -

● Equality, Diversity and Inclusion working group and staff network

● Training and development in ED&I

● Accessibility audits

● Flexible working arrangements

● Inclusive policies and procedures

We want to support you to do your best during the application process, so please do get in touch at su-people@sheffield.ac.uk with any questions you may have. Additionally, if you have a disability, mental health condition or any other additional needs (such as dyslexia, autism or anxiety), please do let us know so we can tailor the process to suit you.

Your Benefits

You will work in an exciting and progressive environment and enjoy great staff benefits:

30 days annual leave per year + Bank holidays

Cycle to work scheme and cycle hub

Flexible working hours and WFH opportunities

Generous workplace pension scheme

Well being Programme

Enhanced offers available in relation to sick pay, parental leave and leave for carers and compassion

Location: Sheffield Students' Union

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £55,578 p/a

Specific Hours: 35hrs per week

Closing Date: Friday 3rd October 2025 (23:59pm)

In-person Interviews:

Thursday/Friday 16th & 17th October 2025

Start Date: As soon as possible