Lesley Bunn

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT LESLEY BUNN

I am an accomplished senior leader in higher education, with over a decade of experience delivering strategic and operational leadership in complex, multi-disciplinary environments. My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to organisational transformation, sector excellence, and the empowerment of high-performing teams.In my current role as College Director of Operations at the University of Lincoln, I lead a diverse portfolio encompassing professional services, finance, estates and space planning, digital technologies, marketing and recruitment, research and knowledge exchange administration, student experience, compliance, governance, and internationalisation. I serve as a key member of the College Leadership Team and the University’s Senior Management Group, where I play an active role in shaping and challenging institutional strategy to support long-term sustainability, innovation, and growth.My leadership style is people-centred and strategically focused. I am driven by the principles of Lean transformation—identifying opportunities to create value, reduce inefficiencies, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. I work collaboratively across organisational boundaries, bringing clarity and alignment to complex challenges and delivering meaningful results for students, staff, and stakeholders.I have successfully led large-scale restructuring programmes, cross-university initiatives, and multi-partner projects, consistently improving service delivery, digital literacy and capability, and stakeholder engagement. I have a proven track record in financial stewardship and sustainability, business planning, operational delivery, and the creation of agile, responsive service environments.Whether overseeing internationalisation strategies, supporting research and innovation, enhancing the student journey, or managing institutional risk, I bring strategic foresight, operational rigour, and a values-led approach to everything I do.I am passionate about the transformative power of higher education and the role it plays in shaping inclusive, civic-minded, and globally connected communities. I take pride in creating environments where people can thrive and where professional services are not only effective—but enabling, forward-thinking, and student-focused.