The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible forend-to-end operational strategy and execution across the University/Group, ensuring that the student experience, digital and technology capabilities, and physical campus infrastructure are integrated, future-ready, and aligned to academic and institutional strategy. The role exists to translate strategy into scalable operations, strengthen cross-functional execution, and ensure that Taylor’s delivers a coherent, high-quality student journey supported by modern systems and fit-for-purpose campuses. Key Accountabilities: 1. Enterprise Operations & Strategic Execution Act as the University’s principal integrator of operations , ensuring alignment between academic priorities, student needs, digital enablement, and physical infrastructure. Translate institutional strategy into clear operating models, execution roadmaps, and delivery milestones . Serve as a strategic partner to the Vice-Chancellor / President and Executive Management Committee on operational trade-offs, sequencing, and risk. 2. Student Experience & Services Provide executive oversight of Student Experience and Student Services , ensuring a seamless end-to-end journey from enrolment to graduation. Ensure student touchpoints (academic services, non-academic services, campus life, wellbeing, support services) are designed intentionally and delivered consistently . Champion a student-centric operating mindset , using data, feedback, and service design principles to continuously improve experience and outcomes. Ensure student experience strategies are scalable across institutions and campuses , not fragmented by unit or function. 3. Digital, Data & Technology Enablement Provide strategic oversight of Digital & Technology , including enterprise systems, data platforms, automation, AI enablement, and cybersecurity. Ensure technology investments are purpose-driven , enabling better student experience, staff productivity, and operational efficiency — not technology for its own sake. Drive a digital operating model that supports academic delivery, student engagement, analytics, and decision-making. Partner closely with academic and corporate leaders to ensure digital initiatives are embedded into ways of working , not run as standalone IT projects. Provide executive leadership over Estates & Facilities , including campus operations, maintenance, space planning, capital projects, and sustainability initiatives. Ensure campuses are safe, functional, future-ready, and aligned to the academic and student experience vision . Oversee long-term campus master planning , balancing growth, cost discipline, ESG considerations, and student experience. Ensure optimal utilisation of physical assets across the institution/group. Ensure strong operational governance , risk management, and business continuity across all operational domains. Establish clear accountability, performance metrics, and reporting for functions under the COO’s remit. Ensure regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements related to operations, facilities, and systems are met. Lead and develop senior leaders across Student Experience, Digital & Technology, and Estates & Facilities. Build a culture of execution discipline, collaboration, and accountability . Act as a visible role model for enterprise thinking — prioritising institutional outcomes over functional optimisation. Job Requirements: Education & Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, Education, or a related field. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is strongly preferred. Executive leadership or governance certifications (e.g. INSEAD, Harvard, or equivalent) are advantageous. Experience 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, including significant time in executive or C-suite roles overseeing large, complex operations. Proven track record of leading multi-functional portfolios (e.g. operations, digital/technology, customer/student experience, infrastructure/facilities). Demonstrated success in translating strategy into execution at enterprise scale, including delivery of large transformation programmes. Experience operating in complex, matrixed organisations with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. Strong background in driving cross-functional integration and breaking down organisational silos. Experience overseeing digital transformation, enterprise systems, and data-driven operating models. Experience managing large-scale physical infrastructure, estates, or asset-heavy environments is highly desirable. Prior experience in higher education is preferred; experience in similarly complex, service- and asset-intensive sectors (e.g. healthcare, hospitality, aviation, large consumer services) is also highly relevant. Skills & Capabilities Strong enterprise and systems thinking, with the ability to connect strategy, operations, technology, and customer/student experience. Exceptional strategic planning and execution capability, with disciplined follow-through. Proven ability to lead large-scale organisational transformation and change initiatives. Strong financial and commercial acumen, including capital planning and investment prioritisation. Deep understanding of digital, data, and technology as enablers of operational excellence. Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at Board, executive, and external levels. Ability to make high-quality decisions in complex, ambiguous, and fast-changing environments. Strong governance, risk management, and operational resilience expertise. #J-18808-Ljbffr