Description:

About the University:

Founded more than five centuries ago, the University of Aberdeen is a leading research institution that drives innovation and prepares students for future careers.

It is ranked 2nd in Scotland and 12th in the UK in the 2025 Guardian University Guide, and is listed among the top 250 universities worldwide in the 2025 QS and Times Higher Education rankings.

The University of Aberdeen will open its Mumbai campus in Powai in September 2026.

At launch, it will offer six programmes: four-year undergraduate degrees in Computing, Data Science, Economics, and Business Management, along with one-year masters degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Administration.

Position Overview:

The Associate Director Campus Operations will be responsible for the overall management of campus operations at the University of Aberdeen, Mumbai.

This senior role ensures the safe, efficient and student-centred running of the campus, covering Facilities Management, IT Operations, Security, Transportation, Food Services, Hostels, Landscaping and related support services.

The Director will also lead on Health & Safety, Sustainability, Infrastructure planning, Crisis Management and People & Vendor Management.

Key Responsibilities:

Campus Operations Management:

- Oversee day-to-day campus operations, ensuring seamless functioning of all support departments.

- Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and service standards to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance.

- Liaise with academic and administrative heads to ensure operational support aligns with academic schedules and priorities.

- Supervise operational staff and outsourced agencies.

Facility and Infrastructure Management:

- Oversee maintenance, housekeeping, and upkeep of buildings, classrooms, laboratories, and recreational facilities.

- Ensure preventive maintenance and timely repairs of all campus infrastructure and utilities.

- Coordinate with vendors and contractors for facility management and service delivery.

- Oversee statutory compliance (fire safety, building codes, environmental standards, pollution control, etc.

- Liaise with local authorities, ensure licenses and certifications are up to date.

IT and Technical Operations:

- Supervise campus IT infrastructure, including network systems, data security, and digital learning support.

Security and Safety:

- Manage campus security operations, including personnel deployment, surveillance, and access control.

- Develop and monitor safety protocols, including emergency response and disaster preparedness.

- Ensure robust security systems for students, staff, and visitors.

Transportation, Food & Hostels:

- Oversee transport operations for students, faculty, and staff, ensuring safety and reliability.

- Supervise food services to ensure quality, hygiene, and cost-effectiveness.

- Manage hostel operations, ensuring comfort, discipline, and well-being of residents.

Landscaping & Environment:

- Maintain campus aesthetics through landscaping, waste management, and sustainability initiatives.

- Promote environmentally responsible practices in all campus operations.

Budgeting and Compliance:

- Prepare and manage the annual operations budget for all functional areas.

- Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and safety standards.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Bachelors degree in engineering, Management, or related field (Masters preferred).

- 7 to 12 years of experience in operations or facilities management, preferably in education, corporate, or defense establishments.

- Education Industry Experience Mandatory.

- Candidates from defense services background are strongly encouraged to apply.

- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex operational environments.

- Strong vendor management, negotiation, and project management skills.

- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Key Competencies:

- Leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking.

- Operational excellence and attention to detail.

- Crisis management and decision-making.

- Stakeholder coordination and service orientation.

- Strong organizational and administrative acumen.

Emeritus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

In press:.

https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/learning-innovation/why-chan-zuckerberg-backed-113-million-inv.

https://techcrunch.com/2020/08/31/chan-zuckerberg-initiative-backs-indian-education-startup-eruditu.