Director Of Operations

Company Description

VIT Bhopal University is committed to shaping a globally competent generation of professionals through innovative learning methodologies and comprehensive education. The University emphasizes advanced teaching approaches to foster knowledge-based societies and empower students to achieve excellence. VIT Bhopal has established collaborations with esteemed national and international organizations and formed partnerships with universities worldwide to expand educational opportunities for its students.

Role Overview

The Director Operations will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all non-academic operations of the University. The role ensures that campus operations, administrative functions, infrastructure, compliance, and student services operate efficiently, securely, and in alignment with the Universitys vision, regulatory requirements, and growth plans.

This position plays a critical leadership role in enabling academic excellence by providing a robust, compliant, and student-friendly operational ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

1. University Operations & Administration

• Oversee all non-academic administrative departments, including:
• Administration & General Affairs
• Facilities & Infrastructure
• Hostels & Residential Services
• Transport & Logistics
• Security & Housekeeping
• Procurement & Vendor Management
• Ensure smooth day-to-day campus operations across all locations.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for operational efficiency.

2. Infrastructure & Facilities Management

• Plan, manage, and maintain university infrastructure including academic buildings, hostels, utilities, and common facilities.
• Oversee campus expansion, renovation, and construction projects in coordination with architects, contractors, and authorities.
• Ensure preventive maintenance, safety audits, and statutory certifications.

3. Compliance, Governance & Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure compliance with all statutory, regulatory, and accreditation requirements, including: UGC, AICTE, NAAC, NBA
• Local municipal, fire, labor, and environmental regulations
• Act as the nodal authority for inspections, audits, and regulatory submissions.
• Maintain documentation, policies, and compliance calendars.

4. Financial & Resource Management (Operational)

• Work closely with Finance to:
• Prepare and manage operational budgets
• Monitor cost controls and resource optimization
• Oversee procurement processes ensuring transparency, value for money, and policy adherence.
• Manage vendor contracts, SLAs, and performance evaluations.

5. Student Services & Campus Experience

• Ensure efficient delivery of non-academic student services, including:
• Hostels and mess operations
• Transport services
• Campus safety and security
• Student helpdesks and grievance redressal (non-academic)
• Drive initiatives to enhance overall student experience and campus life.

6. Human Resources (Non-Academic Staff)

• Lead and manage all non-teaching and support staff.
• Define roles, responsibilities, KPIs, and performance evaluation frameworks.
• Support recruitment, training, capacity building, and staff discipline in coordination with HR.

7. Risk Management & Safety

• Implement and monitor campus-wide risk management frameworks.
• Ensure emergency preparedness, disaster management plans, and crisis response mechanisms.
• Oversee campus security systems, surveillance, and safety protocols.

8. Digital & Process Transformation

• Support digitization of administrative processes and ERP-driven operations.
• Improve operational efficiency through automation, data-driven decision-making, and workflow optimization.
• Collaborate with IT teams on non-academic system requirements.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent organizational and execution capabilities
• Deep understanding of university governance and regulatory frameworks
• Financial acumen and operational budgeting experience
• Ability to manage large teams and complex campus operations
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills
• High integrity, accountability, and attention to detail

Qualifications & Experience

• Postgraduate degree in Management / Public Administration / Operations / Engineering or related field
• 15+ years of experience in operations, administration, or infrastructure management
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role, preferably in: Universities / Educational Institutions / Large campuses / Healthcare / Township-style operations
• Experience with accreditation, audits, and regulatory inspections is highly desirable

Preferred Background

• Experience in private universities, deemed universities, or large educational groups
• Exposure to multi-campus or rapidly scaling institutions
• Strong understanding of Indian higher-education compliance landscape

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Operational uptime and service quality
• Compliance audit outcomes
• Cost optimization and budget adherence
• Student satisfaction (non-academic services)
• Infrastructure readiness and safety metrics
• Staff performance and retention