Lead for Quality and Compliance (Academic Partnerships)

Main Function of the Post

• Lead the operationalisation of key functions and developments, including implementing OFCD strategies into partnership management and development.
• Oversee dedicated partnership portfolios, including link tutors, external examiners, and local tutors.
• Liaise with stakeholders and University services, supporting day-to-day people and resource management (recruitment, performance, academic quality, and compliance).
• Manage partnerships operationally, including commercial negotiations and due diligence.
• Chair key meetings such as Examination Boards, Partnership Development Meetings, and Academic Misconduct Panels.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Academic & Operational Management

• Manage timetabling, module allocation, academic staff, and teaching delivery.
• Oversee day-to-day partnership operations, ensuring academic quality and compliance.
• Recruit and manage External Examiners, Link Tutors, and Local Tutors.
• Undertake teaching and assessment duties as required.

Strategy & Development

• Develop and implement growth strategies for partners.
• Support strategic direction through Annual Review of Partnership Operations (ARPO).
• Lead delivery and performance of strategic partnership initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of OFCD and Centre practices through research and development activities.

Quality & Compliance

• Implement and embed quality and compliance initiatives across the Division.
• Ensure partners meet corporate and statutory documentation requirements.
• Monitor and evaluate partnership performance, identifying risks and best practices.
• Maintain data integrity and confidentiality in line with data protection requirements.

Governance & Meetings

• Chair Examination Boards, Partnership Development Meetings, and Task & Finish Groups.
• Coordinate KPI activities such as the National Student Survey and other partner surveys.
• Contribute to University committees and decision-making processes.

Risk & Performance Management

• Conduct strategic analysis and risk management to improve recruitment, retention, and student outcomes.
• Ensure effective timeline management for ARPO and commercial negotiations.

People & Culture

• Support staff recruitment, performance management, and planning.
• Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and collegiate culture across partnerships and OFCD.
• Provide advice and support to the Head of Division and wider University colleagues.

Compliance & Professional Responsibilities

• Ensure adherence to health and safety, equality, and dignity at work policies.
• Maintain awareness of environmental sustainability and support related University strategies.
• Engage in continuous professional development aligned with University objectives.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Relevant Master's degree (essential)
• Higher degree or membership of relevant professional body (desirable)
• Teaching qualification and/or HEA Fellowship (desirable)
• PhD or equivalent (desirable)

Skills/Knowledge

• Ability to lead and manage partnerships and teams
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Analyse complex issues and interpret regulations
• Lead, motivate, and manage staff
• Knowledge of academic structures, processes, and quality assurance
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Lead partnership development aligned with teaching innovation
• Proficiency in IT systems for teaching and management
• Understanding of current challenges in UK Higher Education
• Strong customer service focus

Experience

• Experience in national and/or international partnership delivery
• Experience in quality assurance oversight and chairing assessment boards
• Experience in developing and delivering partnership arrangements
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a UK university working with academic partnerships

Personal Qualities

• Customer service awareness
• Ability to work independently and lead projects
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Critical self-reflection
• Strong networking ability
• Collaborative working approach

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to work outside standard hours and travel (including monthly travel to Bolton)
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally
• Awareness of Health & Safety, Data Protection, FOI, UKVI, Prevent, and Bribery Act
• Access to suitable IT equipment and broadband for remote working

Additional Information

This job description reflects current role requirements and may be reviewed periodically. The University is committed to academic freedom, open debate, and supporting staff and students. Successful applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks including a criminal records check, references, ID and right to work verification, and education confirmation.

All applications must be submitted via the link: 0024-26 Lead for Quality and Compliance (Academic Partnerships) - Jobs at [Employer hidden]