At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow assessment services, driving sustainable income and market opportunities.
- Company: NFER, a respected charity improving education through research and assessment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape educational outcomes.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven organisation at the forefront of digital capability and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while leading a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex services, with business development and client engagement experience.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 € per year.
NFER is a leading independent charity dedicated to improving education outcomes through robust research and high-quality assessment. With over 80 years of impact, we work at the intersection of evidence, policy and practice, supporting schools, governments and system leaders in the UK and internationally.
We are now seeking a senior leader to oversee and grow our assessment services portfolio. This is a pivotal appointment, combining strategic leadership, commercial acumen and sufficient technical understanding to operate credibly within a highly specialist environment.
The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for the development and delivery of large-scale assessments and services. They will play a central role in driving sustainable income growth, identifying new market opportunities and strengthening NFER’s position both in the UK and internationally.
Alongside this, the role requires strong internal leadership, bringing together teams that have experienced recent change and establishing a clear, forward‑looking direction. Candidates will bring a track record of leading complex services or programmes, with experience of business development and client engagement.
While deep assessment expertise is not essential, an ability to engage confidently with technical specialists and translate insight into commercial opportunity is critical. Above all, the successful individual will align with NFER’s mission and demonstrate the judgement to balance impact with financial sustainability.
This is an opportunity to shape the future of assessment within a respected, mission‑driven organisation at a time of strategic investment in digital capability and growth.
Closing date: 04 July 2026
Final panel interviews are due to be held at NFER’s offices on 03 August 2026.
For further information, including the candidate brief and details of the application process, please visit: National Foundation for Educational Research - Deputy Director of Assessment | AQ or contact our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley for a confidential conversation.
Deputy Director in Slough employer: National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
NFER is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the education sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, NFER provides ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement, all while working in a hybrid environment from our Slough office. Joining NFER means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values impact and sustainability, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful difference in education.
Contact Detail:
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to NFER. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding NFER's mission and recent projects. We want to see how your experience aligns with our goals, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our assessment services portfolio.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led teams through change or driven growth. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to inspire and guide others, especially in a multidisciplinary environment.
✨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 you’re serious about joining our mission-driven team at NFER.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Director role. Highlight your experience in leading complex services and business development, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've successfully led teams through change. Share specific examples of how you've brought teams together and established a clear direction, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Commercial Acumen:It's important to illustrate your ability to identify new market opportunities and drive sustainable income growth. Use concrete examples from your past roles to show us how you've done this before.
Engage with Our Mission:Align your application with NFER's mission of improving education outcomes. Show us that you not only have the skills but also the passion for making a difference in the education sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
✨Know Your NFER
Before the interview, dive deep into NFER's mission and recent projects. Understanding their focus on improving educational outcomes through research will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing change. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven growth and engaged clients in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Deputy Director position.
✨Translate Technical Insight
While deep assessment expertise isn't essential, being able to engage with technical specialists is key. Think of ways you've previously translated complex information into actionable insights or commercial opportunities, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Align with Their Vision
NFER is looking for someone who balances impact with financial sustainability. Reflect on your past experiences where you've made strategic decisions that benefited both the organisation and its mission, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to NFER's future.
