Hiring: Head of Admissions

Fairfield School of Business (FSB) is an ambitious, community-focused higher education provider committed to making high-quality higher education accessible to people from all backgrounds. Working with UK university partners, FSB delivers industry-relevant programmes to a diverse student community, including many learners taking non-traditional routes into higher education. Widening participation and equality of opportunity are central to our mission.

The Head of Admissions is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and continuous improvement of the Admissions function at FSB. The postholder will ensure a high-quality, efficient, fair and compliant admissions service, delivering an excellent applicant experience while maintaining academic standards and admissions integrity.

The role will lead the Admissions Team, develop admissions strategy, monitor and analyse performance, maintain effective relationships with university and academic partners, support widening participation and Access and Participation objectives, and ensure compliance with FSB policies, partner requirements and relevant Office for Students (OfS) regulatory requirements.

Job Purpose

The Head of Admissions is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing FSB's admissions strategy in alignment with institutional objectives, recruitment plans and academic priorities.
• Leading and managing the Admissions function and overseeing the applicant journey from application through to enrolment.
• Ensuring applications are assessed fairly, consistently and efficiently against approved entry requirements and admissions criteria.
• Leading the delivery of an excellent, professional and applicant-focused admissions service.
• Producing regular admissions reports, dashboards and management information for Senior Management and relevant committees.
• Leading, managing, motivating and developing the Admissions Team, setting clear objectives and performance expectations.
• Acting as the senior Admissions contact for university, validating, awarding and other academic partners.
• Maintaining current knowledge of UK higher education regulation, including OfS requirements and expectations relevant to Admissions.
• Supporting FSB's widening participation and equality of opportunity objectives.
• Maintaining current knowledge of admissions developments, emerging trends and best practice across UK higher education.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Significant admissions experience, preferably within UK higher education or a regulated education environment.
• Demonstrable experience of leading and managing an admissions function or team.
• Experience of strategy, operational planning, reporting, analysis and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of customer service, applicant experience and fair admissions.
• Excellent leadership, communication, analytical, organisational and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

• Experience within an OfS-registered higher education provider and knowledge of the OfS regulatory framework.
• Experience working with university or academic partners.
• Knowledge of widening participation and Access and Participation Plans.

Please note that whilst this position is based in London, frequent travel to other campus locations will be required when needed.