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- Tasks: Lead and oversee professional development programmes for educators in Saudi Arabia.
- Company: Join Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a top academic publisher and part of the University of Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in education while collaborating with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex education projects and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel to Saudi Arabia; applications reviewed on an ongoing basis.
The predicted salary is between 47100 - 61050 £ per year.
Job Description
Technical Lead, Professional Development Programmes
Salary: £57,100 – £76,450
Location: Cambridge, UK – Hybrid (2-3 days per week in the office)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract/Secondment (12 Months), Full-time 35 hours per week
Are you interested in contributing to the future of professional development and making a meaningful impact in an organisation dedicated to educational excellence?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and dynamic team, working on flagship professional development programmes for educators in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
We are Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation and a proud part of the University of Cambridge.
About the role
You will support Partnership for Education by providing technical leadership and oversight of multiple professional development programmes which are being implemented in a newly established training institute in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This role will be based in Cambridge with some travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As part of this role, you will:
- Oversee the technical design and development of multiple new training programmes.
- Ensure coherence across multiple strands of work and adherence to quality standards, client requirements and accreditation criteria.
- Represent the technical teams in high-level internal and external meetings including with the client and Ministry.
- Make decisions on technical aspects of the programme and recommendations to the programme management team and Steering Group where schedules, scope and budget are impacted.
- Anticipate, manage and report on risks related to technical aspects of the project.
- Line manage two professional development managers in Cambridge
- Line manage and work closely with the Director of Studies based in the training institute in Saudi Arabia, who is responsible for programme implementation.
About you
To be successful in this role, you need experience of leading complex education projects with multiple strands and stakeholders. You will be comfortable working under pressure, managing competing and changing demands and making decisions. You will quickly establish and maintain positive professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Additionally, you will bring:
- Sound knowledge of pedagogy, adult learning theory and principles of effective professional development
- Excellent communication skills
- Experience in teaching
- Experience of working across cultures
Please click on the link at the bottom of this advert to access the full job description.
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
We are a hybrid working organisation, and we offer a range of flexible working options from day one. We expect most hybrid-working colleagues to spend 40-60% of their time at their dedicated office or location. We will also consider other work arrangements if you wish to work more flexibly or require adjustments due to a disability.
Ready to pursue your potential? Apply now.
We review applications on an ongoing basis, with a closing date for all applications being 21st July 2025. Interviews are planned to take place from the end of July to early August.
Please note that successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks, including DBS, due to working in a regulated industry.
Please note that Cambridge University Press & Assessment will not ordinarily be able to provide sponsorship for vacancies of less than 12-months in duration. Applicants must therefore have an existing right to work in the UK to be eligible for this position.
Why join us
Joining us is your opportunity to pursue potential. You'll belong to a collaborative team that's 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's 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, actively seeking to employ people from a wide range of different communities.
Technical Lead (Professional Development) employer: Cambridge University Press & Assessment
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Press & Assessment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Lead (Professional Development)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific educational frameworks and professional development standards used in Saudi Arabia. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your ability to lead programmes effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in international education projects, especially those involving cross-cultural collaboration. This can provide you with insights and connections that may be beneficial during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated challenges and ensured quality outcomes in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of adult learning principles and effective professional development strategies. Being able to articulate how these concepts apply to the role will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Lead (Professional Development)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leading complex education projects. Emphasise your knowledge of pedagogy and adult learning theory, as well as any experience working across cultures.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for professional development and how your skills align with the role. Mention specific examples of past projects where you demonstrated technical leadership and stakeholder management.
Highlight Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, provide examples in your application that showcase your excellent communication skills, particularly in high-level meetings or cross-cultural settings.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Discuss instances where you've successfully managed competing demands or made critical decisions under pressure. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the challenges outlined in the job description.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Press & Assessment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Technical Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead complex education projects. Prepare specific examples of past experiences where you successfully managed teams and projects, highlighting your decision-making skills and how you navigated challenges.
✨Understand the Cultural Context
Since this role involves working with stakeholders in Saudi Arabia, it's crucial to show your awareness of cultural differences. Research the educational landscape in Saudi Arabia and be ready to discuss how you would adapt your approach to fit their context.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical aspects of programmes. Be prepared to explain complex ideas in a way that is accessible to all stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle competing demands. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage risks or make tough decisions under pressure, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
