Head of Shared Services

Company Overview

A leading school of art and architecture in Karachi, established in 1990 and dedicated to delivering high-quality education in fine art, design, and architecture. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards and strong studio-based learning culture, the institution has played a pivotal role in shaping creative and architectural practice in Pakistan.

Job Overview

The Head of Shared Services (HoSS) position is responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of core support functions including Finance, Resource Mobilization, Administration, Information Technology, Human Resources, and the Continuing Education Program (CEP). The position is required to ensure that these functions operate efficiently, align with the institutions mission, and provide high-quality support to both academic and administrative units.

Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives and operational improvements across HR, IT Administration, Finance, Resource Mobilization, and CEP, ensuring alignment with the Schools vision and goals.

2. Review the budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring processes carried out by the Finance team, ensuring accurate forecasting, timely budget approvals, and effective resource utilization.

3. Oversee resource mobilization initiatives, including fundraising, developing partnerships, and engaging donors to support the Schools strategic priorities.

4. Provide effective oversight of infrastructure and facility management to maintain safe, sustainable, and fully functional campus operations aligned with institutional standards.

5. Supervise the implementation and maintenance of IT systems and digital infrastructure, ensuring robust support for academic and administrative objectives.

6. Review Human Resource functions, including the development and implementation of policies and strategies to ensure a high-performing workforce.

7. Oversee the Continuing Education Program, aligning it with the Schools outreach and lifelong learning goals to increase enrollment and participant satisfaction.

8. Develop, update, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), internal controls, and governance frameworks across shared service units to ensure compliance and operational excellence.

9. Supervise the annual Planning and Monitoring of processes for all Shared Services functions, overseeing the development and implementation of measurable objectives and budgets, with regular performance reporting.

10. Ensure adherence to institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards through regular audits, monitoring, and corrective action when necessary.

11. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, implementing strategies to safeguard the institution and ensure continuity of operations.

12. Foster a culture of service excellence, operational efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement across all Shared Services departments.

Requirements: 

Education: 

Masters Degree in Business Administration, Management, Public Administration or a related field.

Experience: 

Approximately 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in managing multi-functional support services.

Demonstrated experience in managing teams, budgets, and institutional operations at a strategic level.

Skills:

Strong understanding of process optimization, digital transformation, and operational planning.
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong leadership and people management skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Ability to lead and motivate diverse teams.