Head of Student Services

About Us

Since 1998, CECOS College London has been recognised as a prestigious name in further and higher education in the UK. Our mission is to provide and promote opportunities for personal, professional, and academic growth for students from all backgrounds. The programmes we offer are market‑oriented and structured to meet future demands. Our courses help individuals develop the tools, gain the skills and enhance the abilities required to become productive professionals. At CECOS, we are committed to creating a learning experience shaped by commitment, enthusiasm, discipline, effectiveness, insight, and creativity. Our goal is to prepare students for the next stage of their academic or professional careers, whether through progression to university degrees or applying their skills in the workforce.

About The Role

The Head of Student Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of all student‑facing support services across the College. This role ensures that students receive high‑quality, inclusive, and responsive support throughout their learner journey, from induction and wellbeing support to employability and work placements opportunities. Leading a multidisciplinary team that includes Student Support Officers and Employability & Careers Officers, the post holder will drive excellence in student wellbeing, engagement, retention, success, and graduate outcomes, while ensuring compliance with college policies, funding regulations, and external requirements. The role requires a proactive, student‑centred leader who can balance strategic development with hands‑on operational management, and who thrives in a fast‑paced educational environment. This role will require frequent travel to all locations at CECOS.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management: Lead, manage, and support a team of Student Support Officers and Employability & Careers Officers. Develop, review, and enhance student support and employability strategies aligned with the College’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and provide regular supervision, coaching, and professional development. Ensure effective workload planning, prioritisation, and coverage during peak periods. Foster a collaborative, supportive, and high‑performing team culture.
• Student Support & Wellbeing: Ensure timely and appropriate follow‑up support for students experiencing academic, financial, personal, or wellbeing challenges. Maintain strong working relationships with Academic Department, Operations team, and external agencies to support student success. Ensure students are fully informed of support services, benefits, and funding opportunities at induction and throughout their studies. Support student events including induction, enrolment, and graduation. Plan for important days, job fairs, placements, personal and professional development calendar for students. Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria, application requirements, and regulatory updates (Student Finance, UCAS, funding bodies). Maintain clear communication with the Operations Team regarding student finance matters and risks. Organise and minute Student Council meetings regularly and update on new information as instructed.
• Employability, Careers & Work Placement: Provide strategic oversight of employability, careers guidance, and work placement activity. Ensure strong employer engagement and the development of regional and national partnerships. Oversee the delivery of careers events, job fairs, employer talks, and skills workshops. Set and monitor departmental targets, KPIs, and progression data (including the B3 matrix) to continuously improve performance and impact. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, employers, external partners, and funding bodies. Represent the College at employer and networking events as required. Identify and develop new opportunities for student placements, internships, and graduate employment pathways.
• Quality Assurance & Administration: Ensure all student contact, interventions, and outcomes are accurately recorded on the student database. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of College policies, admissions regulations, codes of conduct, and appeals processes. Provide oversight of administrative processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in student services, employability, and careers.
• Good understanding of student wellbeing, finance, funding, and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience of employer engagement, careers guidance, or work placement coordination.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Confident decision‑maker with the ability to work independently and use professional judgement.
• Proficient in MS Office, student record systems, and digital communication tools.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in Business Management or a related field.
• Previous experience in Higher or further education or working with diverse learners.
• Knowledge of UCAS, Student Finance England, and external funding bodies.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship and traineeship frameworks.
• Knowledge of OFS regulations and compliance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

CECOS College London is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.