Chief Operating Officer

  • Sector: Monroe Professional Services
  • Contact: Aaiz Zawawi
  • Location: Malaysia
  • Salary: Negotiable
  • Expiry Date: 08 January 2024
  • Job Ref: BBBH434697_1699505054
  • Contact Email: aaiz.zawawi@monroeconsulting.com.my

Executive recruitment company Monroe Consulting Group is recruiting on behalf of an esteemed higher education institution. Our respected client is seeking for a highly motivated and professional individual for the role "Chief Operating Officer".

Job Responsibilities:

  • In collaboration with the CEO and UoSM Board, support the development, delivery and performance monitoring of UoSM's strategy as part of the University of Southampton's International Strategy.
  • Provide comprehensive data to support decision-making.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy that aligns with UoSM's goals and objectives. Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and diversification.
  • Build and maintain a robust network of contacts within the Government and education industry. Attract new clients and partners, negotiate agreements, and foster relationships to enhance UoSM's reputation and reach.
  • Ensure robust processes and procedures are in place to support the effective and efficient delivery of all professional service functions.
  • Provide effective leadership to all professional service staff.
  • Act as an interface between cognate professional services at the University of Southampton to ensure appropriate academic standards relating to student admissions, marketing, etc are maintained.
  • Support the CEO in establishing and nurturing relationships with local, national and international stakeholders to ensure the growth and success of UoSM.
  • In collaboration with the CEO and UoSM Board, responsible for supporting the development and delivery of an innovative, viable and sustainable strategy. Will provide regular reports to demonstrate delivery against the implementation plan and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Responsible for forecasting future changes to policy, strategy and statutory requirements which will impact delivery of implementation plans on education and research. Provide expert advice to the UoSM Board regarding priorities and initiate appropriate solutions which include actions plans and delivery milestones.
  • Accountable for providing timely and accurate comprehensive management information to help shape and inform the strategy.
  • Responsible for the performance of professional services in the achievement of strategic and operational objectives. Carry out people management activities for direct reports including appraisal, performance management, recruitment and selection, etc.
  • Responsible for providing people management advice to line managers within UoSM and guidance on employment law compliance which may include seeking external legal advice when required.
  • Lead the formulation and delivery of the annual business plan.
  • Support the development and delivery of efficiency savings providing assurance to the Board that these have been achieved.
  • Lead on compliance with Health and Safety issues across all UoSM activities. Responsible for overseeing the risk register and generating mitigation to reduce as appropriate.
  • Responsible for providing statutory information to agreed timelines.
  • Ensure all governance arrangements are in place, as required by UoSM regulations and the University of Southampton.
  • Provide leadership and support to the Head of Recruitment and Marketing to ensure the delivery of Marketing KPIs and the recruitment of students to set targets. Analyse marketing data and adjust strategies to maximize outreach and enrolment.
  • Work with University of Southampton colleagues on student number planning and any barriers to success related to student planning and recruitment.
  • Work with the Head of RAM to identify new international and national markets and to deliver all aspects of UoSM's recruitment plan.
  • Lead by example and in a spirit of strong collegiality.
  • Provide strategic leadership to a range of professional services staff and develop coherent frameworks to monitor progress and achievement against UoSM's strategy.
  • Set professional standards and quality performance targets to ensure current and future expectations are met.
  • Establish new commercial relationships related to research, consultancy, entrepreneurship and student internships.
  • Ensure the effective utilisation of all resources to maximise efficiency whilst maintaining high levels of delivery.
  • Manage overall UoSM staffing within budget.
  • Display visionary leadership, inspire and motivate others, and employ effective problem-solving strategies. Foster a culture of adaptability and prepare individuals for change through programmes of personal and professional development.
  • Develop a culture that is supportive of diversity, equality and inclusion along with continuous improvement, innovation and excellence.
  • Support the promotion of the University values and adopt these behaviours to exemplify the culture across UoSM.
  • Ensure the safe and secure running of the estate.
  • Ensure the maintenance and development of IT systems to support the activities of UoSM.


Job Requirements:

  • Skill level equivalent to achievement of a professional qualification or postgraduate degree
  • Strong stakeholder management skills Experience in a senior business development role
  • Sound commercial judgement with entrepreneurial approach Familiarity with the UK and Malaysia Higher Education sectors, and transnational education models Experience and understanding of business-to-business marketing and interaction.
  • Experience of business continuity and risk management Experience of health & Safety management
  • Ability to plan, lead and manage major new projects or significant new activities, driving activity to completion while managing details and ensuring plans complement broader organisational strategy.
  • Strong project management skills and coordination of a number of stakeholders and simultaneous projects in sometimes complex relationships and to multiple deadlines.
  • Evidence of proven experience in the development of team dynamics and performance ensuring quality standards are consistently achieved.
  • Proven ability to foster positive collaborative relationships both within and outside of own Faculty and with external stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to proactively work with senior managers across the University to achieve key deliverables