Senior Regulation Manager

Senior Regulation Manager Salary:£56,209–£58,820plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension Location: Bristol Post responsible to: Head of Regulatory Portfolio We are the independent regulator of higher education in England. We aim to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. The higher education sector in England is complex and diverse and the OfS’s approach to regulation recognises this. Our strategy signals a shift from an organisation in a start–up phase to an established regulator that understands its regulatory tools and how best to use them to shape incentives across the sector we regulate. We work to ensure that students in England enjoy higher education provision that is high quality; that their access to opportunity, success and progression is not limited by background, location or characteristics; and that providers are well and sustainably led.

About the role

We are looking for a Senior Regulation Manager to join the Regulation directorate in one of our agile regulatory roles. While Senior Regulation Managers may work across different areas of the directorate during their time with the OfS, the initial assignment for this post will be within our funding portfolio. You will lead workstreams related to the OfS's funding function and be responsible for leading areas of activity within our programme of funding allocations, alongside the monitoring and assurance of this funding. Working with complex datasets, funding information and regulatory evidence, you will help ensure that public funding is allocated effectively, transparently and in support of the OfS's strategic priorities. You may be involved in:

• Leading elements of the OfS's funding allocation and assurance processes
• Analysing and interpreting complex datasets, funding information and regulatory evidence to support decision-making
• Developing clear, robust and evidence-based recommendations on funding and regulatory matters
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of funding programmes and initiatives
• Identifying and managing risks associated with funding allocations and funded activities
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to develop funding methodologies, processes and guidance
• Communicating complex analytical findings clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.

This role is particularly suited to individuals with strong analytical capabilities who enjoy working with data and evidence to solve complex problems. Candidates are likely to possess excellent numerical and reasoning skills, with the ability to interpret and advise on complex or unusual data, funding and regulatory issues, and to translate detailed analysis into clear and actionable recommendations. You will also provide leadership within and across teams, managing complex workstreams, supporting colleagues and ensuring delivery against the OfS business plan. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will manage sensitive or high-risk issues with professionalism and sound judgement, building effective relationships and driving high-quality outcomes in a complex and evolving regulatory environment. How we do things is as important to us as what we do. You will demonstrate leadership through our strategic attitudes of being ambitious, collaborative, vigilant and vocal, helping to deliver effective regulation while supporting colleagues and fostering a positive and inclusive working culture. To find out more about theOfSand the type of work you may get involved in, visitHome – Office for Students

About you

While you may not have worked previously in a regulator, you will be interested in taking on a role where your judgement, leadership, and analytical skills help protect students and support confidence in the higher education sector.

Person specification (essential skills)

• lead and manage a flexible team of staff, their wellbeing,performanceand development need
• understand and interpret theOfS’sregulatory framework and to use this to undertake assessments, risk assessments, and interventions; to implement and communicate aspects of the regulatory framework and support teams to do this
• reach and convey reliable and robust judgementson the basis ofcomplex and, at times, imperfect information and articulate theOfS’sapproach clearly to providers
• work withhigh levelsof complexity and ambiguity
• think broadly about the theory and practice of regulation
• adopt a systems approach to service design and delivery
• work collaboratively and flexibly to deliver the team’s functions
• undertake professional line management and activity management in a complex environment through a matrix structure
• effectively communicate policies and requirements clearly when working in teams and teams that include external members
• produce clear written documentation tocomply withtheOfS’stone of voice guidance.

Working forus

The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Flexibility is important to the OfS, as we recognise that it can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. In a typical week, we expect colleagues to spend several days working from the office, balancing business needs, team collaboration and individual responsibilities. To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working, for example job share and part time working, apply to this role.

Closing date for applications

Monday 7th September at noon.

Interviews

TBC

Additional information

theOfSdoes not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.

Useful Links

Guidance for applicants - Office for Students OfS careers site