At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of assessment materials and logistics on a global scale.
- Company: Join Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a leader in academic publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 28 days leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while shaping the future of assessment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operations and experience in process improvement.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and continuous learning.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary: £76,000 - £104,500, depending on skills and experience
Location: Cambridge or Coventry, UK – Hybrid (40–60% on-site collaboration)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours, Full time
Are you ready to make your impact on the future of assessment?
We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world‑leading academic publisher and assessment organisation, and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.
We're excited to offer a senior strategic leadership opportunity to join our Education Operations directorate. As Director of Operations - Assessment Materials & Logistics (AML), you will shape how we deliver assessment materials globally - helping us modernise, innovate, and meet the needs of learners, customers, and regulators worldwide.
About the role
The Director of Operations - AML - steers the strategy, transformation and delivery of all Assessment Materials & Logistics operations, including taking assessment materials from product development through to delivery across global markets.
Key accountabilities include:
- Leading AML strategy to transform delivery of assessment materials.
- Overseeing AML operations for UK and international exam series.
- Driving modernisation for print and digital assessment processes.
- Partnering with Technology and Group Print & Operations.
- Ensuring robust governance and compliance.
- Leading workforce planning and organisational capability development.
- Managing operational and financial plans.
- Creating an environment for people to thrive and develop.
This position has been classified as a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40-60% of their time collaborating and connecting face-to-face at their dedicated location. Aside from our hybrid principles, other flexible working requests will be considered from the first day of employment, including other work arrangements should you require adjustments due to a disability or long-term health condition.
About you
Minimum / Essential requirements:
- Experience leading operational teams and large‑scale transformation.
- Strong service delivery or business management background.
- Process improvement methodology experience.
- Budget management and delivery of operational efficiencies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder influence skills.
- High intercultural competence and partnership‑building skills.
If you meet the above minimum requirements, we encourage you to apply. Your application will be even stronger if you can also demonstrate the following desirable criteria:
- Experience in the UK and International education sector.
- Experience in regulated sectors.
- Knowledge of Ofqual/DFE regulatory requirements.
For a detailed job description, please click the apply button at the bottom of the advert to go through to our careers site.
We are a Disability Confident (DC) employer that is committed to equality and inclusion ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. The DC scheme's Offer of an Interview commitment applies to applicants who opt in, and disclose a disability or a long-term health condition, and best meet the minimum criteria for the role. In instances where interviewing all qualifying candidates is not practicable, we prioritise those who best meet the minimum criteria, as we would for applicants who do not have a disability or long-term health condition.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is an approved UK employer for the sponsorship of eligible roles and applicants under the Skilled Worker visa route. Please refer to the gov uk website for guidance to understand your own eligibility based on the role you are applying for.
Rewards and benefits
We will support you to be at your best in work and to live well outside of it. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a world-class, flexible rewards package, featuring family-friendly and planet-friendly benefits including:
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Group personal pension scheme
- Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary
- Green travel schemes
Ready to pursue your potential? Apply now.
We aim to support candidates by making our interview process clear and transparent. The closing date for all applications will be 22nd February 2026. We will review applications on an ongoing basis, and shortlisted candidates can expect interviews to take place from w/c 2nd March 2026.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process due to a disability or a long-term health condition, there will be an opportunity for you to inform us via the online application form. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks including DBS due to working in a regulated industry.
We are committed to an equitable recruitment process. As such, applications must be submitted via our official online application procedure. Please refrain from sending your CV directly to our recruiters. If you experience technical difficulties or require additional support with submitting your online application, contact the Recruiter.
Why join us
Joining us is your opportunity to pursue potential. You will belong to a collaborative team that is exploring new and better ways to serve students, teachers and researchers across the globe – for the benefit of individuals, society and the world. Sharing our mission will inspire your own growth, development and progress, in an environment which embraces difference, change and aspiration.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is committed to being a place where anyone can enjoy a successful career, where it is safe to speak up, and where we learn continuously to improve together. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics (age, disability, educational attainment, ethnicity, gender, marital status, neurodiversity, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual identity), cultural, or social class/background.
We believe better outcomes come through diversity of thought, background and approach. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.
Director of Operations employer: Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA)
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for the Director of Operations role. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s recent projects and challenges in assessment logistics. This will help you showcase how your experience aligns with their goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on demonstrating your leadership skills and operational expertise, as these are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Director of Operations role. We want to see how you can lead our strategy and transformation efforts!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in operational leadership and transformation. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your skills and experiences, as we appreciate clarity in communication—especially for a role that involves stakeholder influence.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our official careers site. This ensures your application is processed correctly, and we can easily keep track of all candidates. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of Director of Operations - AML. Familiarise yourself with the key accountabilities and how your experience aligns with them. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led operational teams and driven transformation in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership capabilities. Prepare to share stories that highlight your experience in managing teams, driving change, and fostering an environment where people can thrive. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to influence stakeholders and build partnerships.
✨Understand the Industry
Brush up on the UK and international education sector, especially any regulatory requirements like Ofqual/DFE. Being knowledgeable about these aspects will show your commitment and readiness to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the company’s goals and challenges. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.