Program Head-Education Industry

About the Role

The Head of Programme (HoP) is a key academic leadership role responsible for overseeing the design, delivery, and quality assurance of Pearson Higher National programmes within the School of Business.

This position ensures regulatory compliance, academic excellence, and student satisfaction by leading faculty teams and managing academic operations effectively.

The role is campus-based, with occasional flexibility required across campuses, and during evenings or weekends as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic and academic leadership for Pearson Higher National programmes.
• Manage Programme Leaders, Lecturers, Internal Verifiers, and Associate Lecturers.
• Conduct performance appraisals, allocate teaching workloads, and ensure staff development.
• Support academic teams through effective communication, guidance, and operational alignment.
• Collaborate with departments such as Marketing, Admissions, Registry, and Quality to ensure smooth programme delivery.

Teaching, Learning & Assessment

• Ensure compliance with Pearsons academic and assessment regulations.
• Oversee curriculum design, assessment planning, internal verification, and quality enhancement processes.
• Maintain accurate and updated programme documentation and online materials (VLE, handbooks, etc.).
• Chair academic meetings including Assessment Boards, Programme Committees, and Quality Reviews.
• Ensure constructive alignment between learning outcomes, assessment, and academic standards.

Student Experience & Support

• Oversee student registration, induction, and engagement processes.
• Ensure effective student representation, feedback collection, and response mechanisms.
• Monitor attendance, academic performance, and progression, ensuring appropriate support interventions.
• Uphold inclusivity and accessibility for students with support plans.

Quality Assurance & Enhancement

• Lead programme reviews, Annual Monitoring Reports, and Action Plans.
• Liaise with Pearson, Standard Verifiers, and Centre Quality Managers to maintain compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement in teaching quality, student outcomes, and satisfaction.
• Ensure adequate learning and teaching resources, including digital and library assets.

Research & Scholarship

• Encourage faculty engagement in research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
• Contribute to academic scholarship through publications, professional practice, and applied research.
• Integrate scholarly outputs into teaching and curriculum enhancement.

Candidate Profile

Experience & Personal Qualities (Essential)

• Proven experience in Higher Education programme management (preferably UK HE system).
• Strong background in teaching, curriculum development, and academic quality management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently with resilience.
• Understanding of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles in education.
• Flexibility to work across campuses and beyond standard hours when required.

Desirable

• Relevant professional experience in academia or industry.
• Experience in research, enterprise projects, or income generation through grants.
• Active participation in professional networks or external academic collaborations.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

Essential:

• Strong subject expertise in business or related discipline.
• Competency in digital learning tools and VLE platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and data analysis.

Desirable:

• Experience in project management and advanced analytical or digital skills.

Education & Professional Qualifications

Essential:

• Master's Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Teaching qualification (e.g., Senior Fellowship – Advance HE) or willingness to obtain within 12 months.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and quality management in UK and/or local HE environments.

Desirable:

• PhD (or equivalent professional achievement) or willingness to pursue within a defined timeframe.
• Higher Education teaching qualification.
• Membership of relevant Professional or Statutory Regulatory Body (PSRB).