Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation and continuous improvement of JCQ's shared services in the education sector.
- Company: Join JCQ, a key player in UK education, supporting over 6,000 schools and colleges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, private healthcare, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of education while working with top organisations.
- 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 78000 - 102000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to JCQ or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching JCQ’s mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect what they’re looking for in a Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine in front of the panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. It’s packed with clues about what JCQ is looking for, so tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Deputy CEO and Director of Shared Services, your leadership experience is crucial. Use specific examples in your application to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and long-winded sentences. We want to see your qualifications and experiences shine through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, don’t use quick apply for this role! Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re following the correct process.
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 align your answers 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, especially in complex environments. Highlight how you’ve driven change and improved services in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you’ve built relationships in the past. Share specific instances where you’ve collaborated with external partners or government departments to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and creativity. Think about potential challenges JCQ might face in transforming shared services and come up with innovative solutions. This will showcase your strategic thinking and ability to adapt.
