Meet Kay Hodgson

06 Aug 2025

Kay Hodgson, Director of School Operations in the School of Engineering, shares more about her role and her passions both in and outside the Faculty.

Can you tell me more about your role?

My focus is on ensuring service excellence in all aspects of operational delivery in order to support all our academic colleagues and students in their endeavours. To do this effectively I need to provide leadership and support to all our professional service colleagues creating an environment where everyone can thrive and develop in their roles. Partnership is central to my approach. I work closely with Sarah Cartmell, our Head of School, the broader School Leadership Team, including Heads of Department and academic leads in Research, TLSE, and EDIA and a highly experienced Professional Services leadership team. My role is to support and empower them, removing barriers so they can perform at their best.

Given the scale of our Schools, collaboration with the Faculty and PS Leadership Teams is vital. I work very closely with Sam Ryder in Natural Sciences who has an enormous amount of experience in the Faculty. Sam and I have known each other for years and share a strong interest and background in research services.

What does a typical day look like?

There’s no such thing as a typical day especially while I’m still getting to know the School (I’ve been in post for 5 months now). Right now, I’m focused on understanding how things work and the culture of the School and each Department, as they are all unique even though we are all part of the University of Manchester. It is crucial to understand where and why we are different and complex but also recognise where we can simplify processes and ways of working. I am also spending a lot of time getting to know everyone and building strong relationships. Day-to-day, I work closely with Sarah, the School Leadership Team and my PS Leadership Team to ensure the School runs as smoothly as possible whilst also shaping solutions to deliver on longer term strategic priorities. As for all our colleagues that involves plenty of meetings to manage budgets, People Directorate aspects, estates work, IT challenges and plenty more. No two days are the same.

My role also requires me to work beyond the School on broader University initiatives, and whilst doing so making sure the voice of the School and our Departments is heard at Faculty and University level. This involves contributing to University committees, cross-Faculty planning and broader strategic work. It’s a balance of hands-on delivery and big-picture thinking and that’s what makes my role so rewarding and challenging.

What do you enjoy about your role?

There’s a lot I enjoy about this role but first and foremost it’s the people. The warm welcome I’ve received from colleagues across the School and Faculty since I arrived in March has been incredible and it really highlights how supportive and caring the community is. Working alongside such inspirational PS and academic staff is a real privilege.

It also feels good to be back in a STEM Faculty. As a scientist by background, with a PhD in Biomedical Science, it’s energising to be surrounded by inspirational research and teaching, cutting edge facilities and technical expertise. I’ve loved working in all three Faculties, but there’s something special about reconnecting with that part of my identity.

Another aspect I find really rewarding is supporting the career development of all PS colleagues. I’m passionate about coaching and mentoring and have been involved in programmes like Aurora and Manchester Gold for years. Seeing people grow, build confidence and take on leadership roles is one of the most satisfying parts of the job.

How long have you been in this role?

I officially started on the 1 March though I was fortunate to spend a couple of weeks beforehand shadowing Jen Lockhart. She was brilliant and gave me a really detailed and thoughtful handover, which I hugely appreciated. It made a big difference in getting settled.

What roles have you held previously?

After completing my PhD in Biomedical Science, I stepped away from academia and spent several years in the commercial sector. I worked in medical communications for about seven years in project management roles within pharmaceutical-focused agencies in the Northwest. I also spent time working in publishing and other communications roles before moving into higher education.

I’ve now worked at the University for 16 years. In terms of leadership roles, I spent three years in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health as Head of Research and Business Engagement followed by six years as Director of Operations in the School of Environment, Education and Development in Humanities. Now I’m delighted to be in my third Faculty, taking on another leadership role in the School of Engineering.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I live out in the High Peak between Manchester and Sheffield, so I love getting outdoors especially hill walking with our Labrador, Rufus. We live near Kinder Scout, so it’s a great place to be out in nature.

A lot of my time is spent with my family. My daughter has just completed her GCSEs and my 19 year old son who is autistic and has ADHD and dyslexia, also lives at home with us. Supporting him through the challenges he faces is a big part of our lives. That experience has given me a strong personal connection to neurodiversity and it’s something I care deeply about, both at home and in the workplace. There’s always more to learn and understand how as individuals and as a broader society we create environments where everyone can thrive.

Finally, if you could only eat one thing what would it be?

It would have to be Koshari, a delicious Middle Eastern dish made with rice, lentils and noodles and a spicy tomato sauce which I often serve with roast chicken seasoned with za’atar and sumac. It’s a real family favourite and always brings a smile to everyone’s face. I love cooking on a Saturday with Giles Peterson playing on BBC 6 Music in the background. I’m a big jazz fan and a huge Ottolenghi enthusiast, so being in the kitchen is my happy place – just me, the music and the food (with everyone else banned until dinner’s ready!).