Centre Director - University of Cumbria

Malvern’s core purpose is to provide, with our partners, students from around the world with the opportunities to reach their full potential via access to transformational learning, teaching and support. Our mission is to provide international students essential academic and English language skills, cultural experiences and the support they need to thrive in their academic studies, daily life and career development. Our company values are COMMITMENT to, and UNDERSTANDING of, our students, colleagues and partners, FLEXIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY in our approach, EXCELLENCE in every aspect of our operations.

We are now seeking an experienced and partnership driven Centre Director for our Pathways Division, based at Cumbria University to be responsible for ensuring the Centre provides exceptional value to the university and students through a collaborative and innovative approach. This role requires an imaginative leader who can deliver outstanding results in student performance and experience, retention, progression, and support, while managing complex relationships and optimising resources to ensure sustainable growth and operational success.

• Build and nurture a trusted partnership with the University of Cumbria, acting as the primary liaison between Malvern and the university to ensure alignment on shared goals.
• Deliver strategic leadership for the Centre, embedding a culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust between the International Study Centre and the university.
• Demonstrate how the International Study Centre adds value to the university by enhancing its global reach, supporting student outcomes, and optimizing Centre operations.
• Provide creative leadership to the Centre, creating an environment that inspires and motivates employees and fosters a sense of purpose and belonging.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across Malvern’s Pathway division and global teams to drive innovation and best practices.

• Work closely with the Academic Director / Head of Learning and Teaching to ensure that teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and student progression meet or exceed partner expectations.
• Collaborate with academic leaders and university staff to foster a culture of continuous improvement, supporting student success and innovation in teaching practices.
• Provide strategic input into academic policies and initiatives, ensuring they reflect the needs of students, the university, and Malvern’s broader objectives.
• Act as an ambassador for academic quality, ensuring alignment with the university's expectations and compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

• Ensure the Centre delivers a best-in-class experience for students and the university through outstanding services, transparent communication, and operational excellence.
• Act as a key advocate for the Centre within the university, maintaining alignment on strategic priorities, ensuring regular updates, and resolving any challenges collaboratively.
• Optimize processes and resources to deliver sustainable growth in student recruitment and progression, maintaining high-quality standards while ensuring financial efficiency.
• Lead the development of strategies to support student success, including retention, progression, and employability outcomes.
• Develop and lead a high-performing Centre Management Team (CMT) that embodies Malvern’s mission and values.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation within the Centre, supporting professional growth and engagement among employees.
• Oversee workforce planning, ensuring the Centre attracts, retains, and develops talented employees to meet strategic and operational goals.
• Champion diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students and employees alike.

• Ensure the Centre provides a world-class student experience, addressing their academic, cultural, and social needs in collaboration with the university.
• Collaborate with Malvern and the university’s teams to deliver high-quality services, including teaching, accommodation, and student welfare, ensuring students feel supported throughout their journey.
• Oversee the Centre’s financial performance, ensuring resources are managed effectively and budgets are adhered to.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies while maintaining quality and enhancing outcomes for students and the university.
• Provide accurate reporting to stakeholders on financial performance, operational achievements, and strategic initiatives.

• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including recruitment agents, Malvern’s central functions, and external partners, to achieve student enrolment and retention goals.
• Represent Malvern with professionalism and credibility in all interactions with students, parents, university staff, and external organisations.

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the education or international education sector.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop trusted, long-term partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans that deliver measurable results.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing significant budgets and resources effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt style to a range of audiences.
• Commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience, with a focus on progression, retention, and employability.

• Experience working within higher education and familiarity with university structures and priorities.
• Knowledge of international student recruitment markets and trends.
• Previous success in managing partnerships or joint ventures.
• Understanding of student welfare and support services, particularly for international students.

This job specification is not exhaustive and may involve the fulfilment of other duties as deemed required by the organisation. This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS.