Job Purpose The Chief Administrative Officer will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership for the University's administrative functions and ensuring smooth, efficient, disciplined and compliant functioning of the campus. The CAO will coordinate with the Registrar, Vice Chancellor, Deans, HODs/HOIs, HR, Finance, Examination, Academic and other departments to ensure that administrative services effectively support the University's academic and institutional objectives. Key Responsibilities 1. Overall Administration Lead and supervise day-to-day administrative operations of the University. Develop and implement administrative policies, SOPs, systems and service standards. Ensure effective coordination among various administrative departments. Monitor administrative discipline, service delivery and operational efficiency. Resolve administrative issues and escalate critical matters to senior management. 2. Campus Facilities & Infrastructure Oversee campus infrastructure, buildings, classrooms, laboratories, offices and common areas. Supervise maintenance, electrical, plumbing, civil, HVAC, DG, lifts and other engineering services. Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance schedules are followed. Monitor housekeeping, sanitation, cleanliness and campus upkeep. Coordinate renovation, expansion and infrastructure development projects. 3. Security & Safety Overall supervision of campus security operations. Monitor security personnel, access control, visitor management and CCTV systems. Ensure implementation of fire safety, emergency response and disaster-management procedures. Coordinate with police, fire department, local administration and other external agencies when required. Ensure a safe and secure environment for students, faculty and staff. 4. Housekeeping & Outsourced Services Monitor outsourced housekeeping, security, transport, maintenance and other service providers. Ensure deployment is as per approved manpower requirements. Review attendance, performance, discipline and service quality of outsourced manpower. Coordinate with vendors/agencies and ensure compliance with contractual terms. Ensure proper documentation and verification of outsourced employees. 5. Transport & Fleet Management Supervise university transport operations and vehicle management. Monitor bus routes, schedules, drivers and transport staff. Ensure vehicle documentation, insurance, fitness and statutory compliance. Monitor fuel consumption, maintenance and operational costs. Address transport-related concerns of students and employees. 6. Procurement & Stores Coordinate administrative procurement of stationery, consumables, equipment and services. Ensure proper purchase procedures, quotations, comparative statements and approvals. Monitor inventory, stores and asset utilization. Coordinate with Finance and Purchase departments for cost-effective procurement. 7. Budget & Cost Control Prepare and monitor the annual administrative budget. Control administrative expenditure and identify opportunities for cost optimization. Monitor vendor payments, service contracts and recurring administrative expenses. Ensure appropriate internal controls and financial discipline. 8. Compliance & Statutory Requirements Ensure compliance with applicable government, statutory, safety and university requirements. Maintain records, licenses, agreements, contracts and statutory documentation. Coordinate with legal, regulatory and government authorities whenever required. Support internal and external audits and inspections. 9. Student & Employee Support Ensure effective administrative support to students, faculty and staff. Establish mechanisms for handling administrative grievances and service requests. Monitor student-facing facilities and services. Coordinate with concerned departments for timely resolution of complaints. 10. Event & Institutional Support Provide administrative support for convocations, seminars, conferences, meetings, examinations, cultural events and VIP visits. Ensure venue readiness, security, housekeeping, transport, logistics and other arrangements. Coordinate with various departments for smooth execution of institutional events. 11. Team Leadership Lead and supervise the Administration team and related support functions. Define KRAs/KPIs and monitor departmental performance. Conduct regular review meetings and ensure accountability. Develop a culture of discipline, professionalism, responsiveness and continuous improvement. 12. Management Reporting Submit periodic administrative MIS and performance reports to senior management. Provide updates on infrastructure, maintenance, security, housekeeping, transport, vendors and major administrative issues. Identify operational risks and recommend corrective and preventive measures.
Educational Qualification Essential: Graduate/Postgraduate degree in Administration, Management, Business Administration, Engineering or a relevant discipline. MBA/PGDM in Operations, Administration, HR or Business Management will be preferred. Candidates with qualifications in Engineering/Facilities Management may be preferred for infrastructure-heavy responsibilities. Experience 15+ years of relevant administrative experience, preferably in a university, higher education institution, large corporate, hospital, residential campus or similar large-scale organization. Minimum 5 years in a senior administrative/leadership position. Experience in managing large campuses, facilities, security, housekeeping, transport, vendors and outsourced manpower will be highly preferred. Experience in higher education administration will be an advantage. Required Competencies Strategic and operational leadership Strong administrative acumen Facility & infrastructure management Vendor and contract management Budget and cost control Crisis and emergency management Negotiation and problem-solving Team leadership and manpower management Strong communication and interpersonal skills Knowledge of statutory and safety compliance MIS/reporting and analytical skills High level of integrity, discipline and confidentiality Ideal Candidate Profile The ideal CAO should be a hands-on administrative leader capable of managing a large university campus, leading multiple support functions simultaneously, maintaining strong coordination with academic and administrative leadership, and ensuring that students, faculty and staff receive uninterrupted, safe, efficient and professional administrative services. Suggested seniority: Senior Management / Administrative Leadership
Pay: Up to ₹125,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
