Lead for Quality and Compliance (Academic Partnerships)

· 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., 5a Flexibility to work outside standard hours and travel (including monthly travel to Bolton) - Priority 1 - Interview

5b Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion - Priority 1 - Interview

5c Ability to travel nationally and internationally - Priority 1 - Interview

5d Awareness of Health & Safety, Data Protection, FOI, UKVI, Prevent, and Bribery Act - Priority 1 - Interview

5e Access to suitable IT equipment and broadband for remote working - Priority 1 - Interview

Note:
1. Priority 1 indicates essential criterion - an applicant would be unsuccessful if unable to satisfy all Priority 1 criterion.
2. Priority 2 indicates desirable criterion - applicants failing to satisfy a number of these are unlikely to be successful.
3. It is the responsibility of the employee to ensure any professional registration/accreditation/membership remains current
4. Please note it is normally expected that a new appointee will commence at the bottom of grade.

1a Relevant Master's degree - Priority 1 - Application / Interview / Documentation

1b Higher degree or membership of a relevant professional body - Priority 1 - Application / Interview / Documentation

1c Teaching qualification and/or HEA Fellowship (or willingness to obtain) - Priority 2 - Application / Interview / Documentation

1d PhD or equivalent professional achievement (or willingness to obtain) - Priority 2 - Application / Interview / Documentation

Skills / Knowledge

2a Ability to lead and manage partnerships and teams effectively - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2b Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2c Ability to analyse complex issues and interpret regulations - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2d Ability to lead, motivate, and manage staff - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2e Knowledge of academic structures, processes, and quality assurance - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2f Excellent communication and influencing skills - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2g Ability to lead partnership development aligned with teaching innovation - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2h Proficiency in IT systems for teaching and management processes - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2i Understanding of current challenges in the UK Higher Education sector - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

2j Strong customer service focus (national and international) - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

Experience
3a Experience in national and/or international partnership delivery - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

3b Experience in quality assurance oversight and chairing assessment boards - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

3c Experience in developing and delivering partnership arrangements - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

3d Minimum 3 years' experience in a UK university working with academic partnerships - Priority 1 - Application / Interview

Personal Qualities

4a Awareness of customer service environment - Priority 1 - Interview

4b Ability to work independently and lead projects - Priority 1 - Interview

4c Cultural awareness and sensitivity with stakeholders - Priority 1 - Interview

4d Ability to critically reflect on own performance - Priority 1 - Interview

4e Strong networking ability (local, national, international) - Priority 1 - Interview

4f Collaborative and cooperative working approach - Priority 1 - Interview