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- Tasks: Lead transformation and improvement of shared services in the UK education sector.
- Company: Join JCQ, a key player in UK qualifications and assessments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private healthcare, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education by enhancing exam integrity and supporting over 6,000 schools.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in education or government roles preferred.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel and excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 115000 £ per year.
Please do not use quick apply for this role. For application instructions, please read below.
About JCQ
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) is a community interest company which represents leading awarding organisations in the UK: AQA; Cambridge OCR; CCEA; City & Guilds; NCFE; Pearson; and WJEC/Eduqas. JCQ exists to establish and communicate common arrangements for taking exams and assessments, for most of the exams and assessments offered by the organisations we represent. Every year we issue guidance to schools and colleges to support exam administration with an associated inspection service, to help protect the integrity of exams and assessments. JCQ and its members lead a number of shared data services to support the administration of examinations. JCQ interacts with government departments, UK regulators and organisations such as UCAS to help improve data systems across the UK that contribute to analysis of trends and support national projects such as use of the unique learner number. JCQ also publishes exam and assessment data for over 1 million learners and circa 6 million qualification results cumulatively across the UK, covering general, vocational and technical qualifications including GCSEs, AS, A levels and T Levels in August and January. Our results data is widely covered across national media channels, and the data is used to help stimulate debate across the education sector and inform national policy developments.
About the role
The Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services role is one of the most important senior leadership roles at JCQ. It involves operating in a complex environment, working across the UK education system, working closely with JCQ members, suppliers and external stakeholders, including regulators and government departments. The role involves leading the transformation of JCQ’s well established shared services and being responsible for their continuous improvement. The role will also involve developing new shared services as and when appropriate to meet the changing needs of awarding organisations operating with over 6,000 schools and colleges across the UK in supporting JCQ’s aims and mission. JCQ shared services include the Centre Inspection Service, Centre Admin Portal (CAP) and Access Arrangements Online, production of key guidance and regulatory documents to uphold the integrity of the UK qualifications system and the National Centre Number Register. Other shared services include but are not limited to activities related to use of AI in assessments, UK centres that support private candidates, results publications and JCQ members’ data sharing arrangements with other organisations such as UCAS. In addition to leading JCQ’s shared services the role will involve overall leadership for JCQ’s Corporate Services unit, which is responsible for supporting the JCQ team, as well as JCQ’s 25 plus committees and the wider JCQ membership, which involves at least 300 active members including the JCQ Board. The Board sets the strategic direction and funding arrangements for JCQ. The role will involve regular engagement with Board members and other senior colleagues across the membership.
About you
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be resilient and able to secure support on new initiatives with a creative approach to drive forward JCQ’s shared services. As a leader at JCQ you will champion and model JCQ’s values-based competencies. Ideally the candidate will have experience of working in an awarding organisation, the education sector, or government department type role.
What we offer
- Salary: £90,000 - £115,000 dependent on experience and current package.
- Annual Leave: 25 days rising by 1 day per full year of service to a maximum of 30 days.
- Pension: Enrolment in the JCQ pension scheme upon joining the organisation, with an employer contribution of 10%.
- Home Based: with occasional travel to stakeholder and company meetings, standard travel costs reimbursed.
- Life Cover: 4 x annual salary.
- Family Friendly Policies: Enhanced leave and pay available.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health: 24/7 wellbeing support, counselling, mobile app promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
- Private Healthcare: Private healthcare and cash plan offered to all JCQ staff from first day of employment with no prior health checks or exclusions.
Full job description and person specification available here: https://www.jcq.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/
For an informal discussion about this role and to find out how to apply please contact billy.goodall@jcq.org.uk. Closing date for completed applications is 5pm Friday 27 February. Candidate must have the right to work in the UK.
Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services employer: Joint Council for Qualifications CIC
Contact Detail:
Joint Council for Qualifications CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to JCQ. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching JCQ's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services role. We want to hear how you can lead and innovate in our shared services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the JCQ team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what JCQ is looking for, so make sure you understand the role and its requirements. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!
Showcase Your Experience: When you're writing your application, don’t just list your previous jobs. Instead, highlight specific experiences that relate to the Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services role. Use examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and your ability to work in complex environments.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for education and how you can contribute to JCQ’s mission. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, no quick apply for this role! Make sure you submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the JCQ team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joint Council for Qualifications CIC
✨Know Your JCQ Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand JCQ's mission, values, and the role of shared services. Familiarise yourself with their strategic plan and recent initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy CEO, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in complex environments. Highlight your ability to drive transformation and continuous improvement in shared services.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've effectively engaged with different parties in previous roles. Share specific strategies you've used to secure support for new initiatives and how you’ve navigated challenges in stakeholder management.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about JCQ’s future plans, challenges they face, and how the shared services can evolve. This shows your proactive mindset and genuine interest in contributing to their success.
