About Us
UCL is a globally renowned, multidisciplinary university with a diverse community of over 13,000 staff and 38,000 students representing more than 150 countries. We offer a wide array of degree programmes across disciplines such as Arts and Humanities, the Built Environment, Brain Sciences, Engineering, Education, Law, Life Sciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Medical Sciences, Population Health Sciences, and Social and Historical Sciences.
The UCL Department of Computer Science is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading research and teaching departments, boasting a strong global reputation. Currently undergoing a period of significant growth, the department offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and supports an extensive and impactful research portfolio.
With a focus on creating lasting societal impact, our research activities involve broad collaboration across UCL and with external institutions via large-scale, interdisciplinary initiatives. As part of a strategic initiative, the department is restructuring into thematic sections that align with academic teaching and research priorities. These new sections are:
- Applied Computer Science
- Financial Computing
- Foundational Computer Science
- Machine Learning
Each section oversees its teaching programmes, research activities, and strategic goals while reporting to the department’s senior management team.
About the Role
We are seeking three dynamic Section Managers to help deliver and support the day-to-day and strategic operations of our new departmental structure. As a Section Manager (SM), you will play an integral role in ensuring the smooth delivery of teaching, research, and departmental activities within your assigned section.
You will be responsible for managing and developing section-wide resources including:
- Staff leadership
- Financial oversight
- Health and safety compliance
- IT systems and infrastructure management
- Estates and facilities coordination
- Communications strategies
- General administration
As a key operational lead, you will ensure that systems and processes within your section are effective, aligned with UCL and departmental policies, and support faculty and staff in achieving their goals. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the department during a key transitional period.
About You
We are looking for a highly organised, proactive, and solutions-focused professional with experience in operational and/or project management within complex organisations. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and expertise in managing multiple stakeholders. Key attributes we value include:
- A proven track record of delivering high-quality services
- The ability to balance competing priorities
- Confidence in navigating organisational complexity and change
Experience within the higher education or research sector would be an advantage, though it is not essential. Most importantly, you will thrive in a collaborative environment, be committed to continuous improvement, and bring both strategic insight and practical, hands-on problem-solving skills.
To apply, please submit your CV along with a written statement detailing how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Although all applicants will be considered for each section, you may indicate your preferences by ranking them (1-4).
For further details on our department’s research and teaching, please visit our website: UCL Computer Science | Faculty of Engineering
What We Offer
In addition to the exciting opportunities this role offers, UCL provides an excellent range of benefits, including:
- 41 days of holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 6 closure days)
- An additional scheme to purchase up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- A defined benefit career average revalued earnings (CARE) pension scheme
- Schemes such as Cycle to Work and season ticket loans
- Immigration loan support
- Access to on-site nursery and gym facilities
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounted private medical insurance
For more details, visit UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
UCL is proud to be the first Computer Science Department in the UK to achieve an Athena SWAN Gold Award, reflecting our long-term commitment to advancing gender equality. Learn more about our efforts here: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | Faculty of Engineering.
As “London’s Global University,” we believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation. We are committed to being fair, inclusive, and representative of the world’s diversity—ensuring UCL is a place where everyone belongs.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in our workforce, including individuals from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds; disabled people; and, for senior roles (Grades 9 and 10), women.
Discover more about UCL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Think differently, do differently | Office of the President and Provost (EDI).
How to Apply
Access the job description and person specification at the bottom of this page. If you have any questions or require reasonable adjustments during the application process (or need an accessible application format), please contact Victoria Cooper-Cahill or the CS staffing team.
For insights into UCL’s culture and expectations, visit: UCL Ways of Working