USW is transforming how it works to strengthen its long-term sustainability and improve the experience of students and colleagues. Bringing together people, services, technology and infrastructure will be central to delivering the University's ambitions.
We are now seeking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive and as a key member of the University Executive, you will provide strategic leadership across people and organisational development, student life, digital services, and estates and facilities. Working with academic and professional services leaders, you will build an integrated, efficient and responsive operating model.
You will lead organisational transformation, align workforce planning with institutional priorities and drive improvements in services, systems and the estate. Your leadership will support financial sustainability, strengthen staff engagement and ensure that students benefit from inclusive, accessible support. Constructive relationships with trade unions and effective oversight of risk and business continuity will be essential.
You will bring executive-level experience in a large, complex organisation, with a record of leading multiple professional services functions and delivering measurable change. Combining strategic judgement, financial awareness and strong people leadership, you will build trusted relationships and translate ambition into delivery. You will understand UK higher education or be able to acquire that understanding quickly, alongside sound employment knowledge and CIPD membership or a willingness to undertake appropriate study.
To find out more about USW and this exciting role, please visit:
https://andersonquigley.com/university-of-south-wales-senior-appointments/
The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 30th October 2026.
For a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley: Elliott Rae on +44 (0)7584 078 534 or elliott.rae@andersonquigley.com; or Imogen Wilde on +44 (0)7511 607 522 or imogen.wilde@andersonquigley.com
The University of South Wales is committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities, especially with regards to age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and religion and/or belief. USW benchmarks its success through equality accreditations with Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Stonewall and Disability Confident
