Head of Operations

London School of Economics Students' Union

Hours
22.2 hours per week

About the Organisation

LSESU is a vibrant, student-led organisation committed to helping LSE students make the most of the life-changing experiences open to them during their time at university. As part of our Senior Leadership Team, you will play a critical role in shaping our future and helping us to create a student experience that is enjoyable and empowering. 

Founded in 1897, LSE Students' Union is one of the oldest Students' Unions in the UK. We provide support, representation, and opportunities to help students thrive during their time at university. Everything we do is shaped by our members and guided by our values to be bold and inclusive, working collaboratively to create a welcoming community built on integrity and respect.

About the role

The LSE Students’ Union is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Operations. This is a newly created position, offering an exciting opportunity to take senior oversight of our central teams and ensure the effective delivery of our operational functions.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will provide leadership and direction across finance, HR, governance, compliance, and risk management. Your work will underpin the Union’s ability to deliver its strategic objectives and maintain high standards of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence.

As Head of Operations, you will lead our finance and HR team, ensuring robust financial management, effective people practices, and strong governance frameworks. You will oversee budgeting, audits, and financial reporting, while promoting a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Acting as a key adviser to the Board of Trustees and relevant committees, you will also manage risk and data protection across the organisation.

As a member of the LSESU Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will provide strategic leadership for the Operations Directorate and is responsible for the development and performance of finance, HR, and governance. The post holder will ensure the delivery and resourcing of operating plans, policy, and procedures so that the Union delivers its strategic objectives across all support services.

Responsibilities

Strategic Management and Leadership:

• Work collaboratively with Sabbatical Officers and Senior Leadership colleagues to form an effective Leadership Team.
• Lead and inspire team members, ensuring they have an appropriate
• performance framework and key performance indicators that work towards the success of the strategy.
• Lead on the strategic direction and operational delivery of the Finance and People functions of the Students’ Union, ensuring an effective, responsive, and proactive service is provided across all departments.
• Develop a fit-for-purpose governance, risk management, and complaints function.
• To lead a culture of continuous improvement to develop our standards and services, working closely with external consultants and senior School stakeholders as required.
• To be a key contact for the Board of Trustees and prepare reports on finance/hr matters as needed.
• To ensure the Union remains compliant with all laws and regulations in respect of financial management and reporting, employment law, company law, and data protection.
• To provide leadership of equality of opportunity, challenging discrimination, championing diversity, and promoting inclusiveness.

Financial Management:

• Responsible for the design and implementation of the Union’s annual budget management process.
• To ensure internal finance controls and records are maintained in accordance with legislation and best practice.
• To lead the Union’s annual external audit process and implementation of recommendations.
• Take overall responsibility for the accuracy of financial records, including but not limited to the organisation’s VAT returns, payroll & pensions, fixed asset portfolio, and funds.
• To oversee and take responsibility for the Directorate’s budget and report on any variances to these budgets on a monthly basis and as required.
• Own contract management for the organisation, including implementation of fair and transparent procurement processes and contract monitoring. This covers areas such as business insurance and other high-value operational contracts.
• To ensure that value for money is obtained at all times and to be accountable for the security of all resources.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasting models and scenario planning to support strategic decision-making

People Management:

• To be the senior manager responsible for the People Plan and all HR related matters:
  • Workforce Planning & Talent Acquisition
  • Learning & Development
  • Performance, Retention & Succession
  • Employee Engagement, Culture, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Pay & Reward
• Ensure compliance with the right to work and employment legislation relevant to the Union’s operations.
• Ensure that the organisation has comprehensive and compliant HR policies which reflect our values and promote inclusion.
• Work closely with departmental managers to develop their teams and address the strategic people and culture-related issues.
• Take responsibility for ensuring employee feedback is captured and used to drive continuous improvement in people practices.
• Ensure appropriate systems and processes are in place to manage the performance and support the development of the staff team.
• To provide leadership on health and safety management within the department and report to the relevant committees as and when required.

Governance, Compliance and Risk:

• Work with the company secretary, ensuring compliance with the Education Act 1994, Charity Law, and Companies Act requirements
• Maintain and update the Union's constitutional documents, bye-laws and governance policies
• Serve as the organisation's Data Protection Officer, ensuring GDPR compliance and robust information governance
• Develop, maintain and regularly review the organisation's risk register
• Lead the relationship with LSE IT services, acting as the primary point of escalation for technical issues and service delivery
• Ensure effective integration and maintenance of key systems, including finance, HR, CRM, membership, and other operational platforms
• Maintain comprehensive regulatory compliance across all operational areas and ensure robust data management practices and information security across all systems

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience managing a finance function within an organisation of comparable size and complexity, with experience in management accounting preferred.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations in HR, employment and health and safety related areas.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial analysis and cost control.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of confidentiality and Data
• Protection and the ability to deal with sensitive confidential matters.
• Experience in writing reports and formal communications.
• An understanding of charity regulation and governance.

Attributes & Skills:

• Resilient with an ability to work in a fast-paced and changing environment, under pressure and to deadlines.
• An ability to think strategically and develop long-term plans for services.
• Advanced IT skills with expert-level Microsoft Excel and an aptitude for database management.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

Values & Ethics:

• Desire to work within a democratic, student-led environment.
• Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Commitment to using skills and knowledge to help others
• Demonstrably high standards of personal integrity
• Commitment to own professional development

Required Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or an appropriate management or professional qualification equivalent.
• CCAB or CIMA accounting qualification with evidence of continued professional development.

Compensation & Benefits

• 25 days of holiday per year
• Additional closure periods at Christmas and Easter
• Free LSE Students’ Union gym membership 
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Access to a TOTUM (NUS) card, which provides a wide range of discounts
• Flexibility for work-life balance

Conditions of employment

• You must have the right to work in the UK

Working locations

• Holborn, London, United Kingdom

How to apply

• To apply for this role, please complete an online application.
• CV: Outlining your skills and experience to date.
• Supporting Statement – A one-page statement explaining your suitability for the role. This will be used to determine if you are shortlisted for an interview. Please do not include any personal information (name or date of birth). Use the attached job description and person specification to help with this. 
• Equal Opportunities Monitoring and Contact Form. This includes personal information so we can contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview. It also allows us to gather and analyse demographic information about our applicants. This form will only be seen by HR and will not impact shortlisting.

Interviews

• Intended interview dates: 12th / 13th February 2026

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