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.

Additional Information

This job description reflects current role requirements and may be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with organisational needs. Updates will be made in consultation with the role-holder.

The University is committed to:

· Academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law

· Open, respectful debate and exchange of ideas

· Supporting staff and students in advancing knowledge responsibly.

 

Person Specification – Lead for Quality and Compliance (Academic Partnerships)

Section Criteria - Requirement Priority - Method of Assessment

Qualifications

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

Other Requirements

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.

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Compliance Statement

Successful applicants will be required to complete pre-employment checks, including a criminal records check, two references, ID and Right to Work verification, and education confirmation. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion, selection for employment is based solely on an individual’s skills, qualifications, and experience relevant to the role.