Centre Director – University of East London
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Centre Director – University of East London
Company: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] International
Location: London
Job Type: Full-time
Deadline: 8 May 2026
Posted: 4 May 2026
About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] International
[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s Vision is to be a trusted global partner in education, delivering pathways, language experiences, and university services that transform lives and shape futures through innovation and collaboration, supporting our Mission to equip students for success through language experiences, university pathways, and career-focused learning, and help our partners grow through innovative education services.
Our company values are PASSION, EXPERTISE, CREATIVITY, CHANGE-MAKING, and COLLABORATION.
Role Overview
We are now seeking an experienced and partnership driven Centre Director for our Pathways Division, based at the University of East London to be responsible for ensuring the Centre provides exceptional value to the university and students through a collaborative and innovative approach. This role requires an imaginative leader who can deliver outstanding results in student performance and experience, retention, progression, and support, while managing complex relationships and optimising resources to ensure sustainable growth and operational success.
Main Duties
Strategic Leadership
- Build and nurture a trusted partnership with the University of East London, acting as the primary liaison between [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and the university to ensure alignment on shared goals.
- Deliver strategic leadership for the Centre, embedding a culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust between the International Study Centre and the university.
- Demonstrate how the International Study Centre adds value to the university by enhancing its global reach, supporting student outcomes, and optimising Centre operations.
- Provide creative leadership to the Centre, creating an environment that inspires and motivates employees and fosters a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders across [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s Pathway division and global teams to drive innovation and best practices.
Academic Oversight and Integrity
- Work closely with the Group Academic Director / Head of Learning and Teaching to ensure that teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and student progression meet or exceed partner expectations.
- Collaborate with academic leaders and university staff to foster a culture of continuous improvement, supporting student success and innovation in teaching practices.
- Provide strategic input into academic policies and initiatives, ensuring they reflect the needs of students, the university, and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s broader objectives.
- Act as an ambassador for academic quality, ensuring alignment with the university’s expectations and compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
People Leadership
- Develop and lead a high-performing Centre Management Team (CMT) that embodies [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s mission and values.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation within the Centre, supporting professional growth and engagement among employees.
- Oversee workforce planning, ensuring the Centre attracts, retains, and develops talented employees to meet strategic and operational goals.
- Champion diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students and employees alike.
Student-Centric Focus
- Ensure the Centre provides a world-class student experience, addressing their academic, cultural, and social needs in collaboration with the university.
- Collaborate with [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and the university’s teams to deliver high-quality services, including teaching, accommodation, and student welfare, ensuring students feel supported throughout their journey.
Financial Oversight
- Oversee the Centre’s financial performance, ensuring resources are managed effectively and budgets are adhered to.
- Identify opportunities for efficiencies while maintaining quality and enhancing outcomes for students and the university.
- Provide accurate reporting to stakeholders on financial performance, operational achievements, and strategic initiatives.
External and Internal Collaboration
- Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including recruitment agents, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s central functions, and external partners, to achieve student enrolment and retention goals.
- Represent [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] with professionalism and credibility in all interactions with students, parents, university staff, and external organisations.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the education or international education sector.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop trusted, long-term partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans that deliver measurable results.
- Strong financial acumen, with experience managing significant budgets and resources effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt style to a range of audiences.
- Commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience, with a focus on progression, retention, and employability.
Personal attributes
- Experience working within higher education and familiarity with university structures and priorities.
- Knowledge of international student recruitment markets and trends.
- Previous success in managing partnerships or joint ventures.
- Understanding of student welfare and support services, particularly for international students.
This job specification is not exhaustive and may involve the fulfilment of other duties as deemed required by the organisation.
This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS.
How to Apply
Please submit your application to [contact hidden]
Closing date for applications: Friday 8th May 2026