Head of Placements & Quality

St Mary's University is seeking an exceptional leader to join its newly established School of Medicine as Head of Placements & Quality. As the School prepares to welcome its first cohort in September 2026, this is a unique opportunity to play a central role in shaping a socially accountable medical programme that addresses health inequalities and serves diverse communities. Reporting to the Executive Dean, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for all aspects of clinical placements and quality assurance. You will lead the development of placement partnerships across primary, secondary, and community care settings, ensuring a high-quality student learning experience aligned with General Medical Council (GMC) standards. This is a senior role with responsibility for building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders, including NHS Trusts, GP practices, Integrated Care Boards, and regulatory bodies. You will oversee the recruitment, allocation, and performance of placement providers, ensuring robust capacity for the School. Responsibilities include:

• Provide operational leadership and management of clinical placement recruitment, quality assurance and the allocation process for MBBS students.
• Recruit, manage and maintain excellent working relationships with key placement providers and stakeholders.
• Ensure that academic programmes in the School meet the requirements of stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance within the School by leading on operational processes which align to external and internal university quality assurance requirements.
  
  Significant senior operational experience in a medical education or higher education setting.
• Significant experience of managing and negotiating complex medical education provider relationships.
• Knowledge of medical education in the UK and of recent and current issues influencing its direction.
• Experience of line management.