At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow assessment services, driving sustainable income and market opportunities.
- Company: Join NFER, a respected charity improving education through research and assessment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape educational outcomes.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic investment in digital capability and career 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
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
You can contact our advising consultants at Anderson Quigley for a confidential conversation:
- Helene Usherwood: helene.usherwood@andersonquigley.com
- Elyse Turner-Pearce: elyse.turnerpearce@andersonquigley.com
Deputy Director, Assessment Services in Slough employer: National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
At the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Slough office provides a hybrid working environment, allowing for flexibility while engaging in meaningful projects that directly impact education outcomes. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer numerous professional development opportunities and the chance to lead a multidisciplinary team in shaping the future of assessment services within a respected charity dedicated to educational improvement.
Contact Details:
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Assessment Services 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 not be on the job description.
✨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 come ready to discuss how you can contribute to our assessment services.
✨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.
✨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, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Assessment Services in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at NFER. We’re all about improving education outcomes, so make sure your application reflects our mission and values. Tailor your language to show that you get what we do and why it matters.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Deputy Director, we want to see your leadership chops! Highlight your experience in leading teams and managing complex projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven growth and innovation in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key achievements stand out. A well-structured application makes it easier for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
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 will resonate well with their need for strong internal leadership.
✨Translate Technical Insight
While deep assessment expertise isn't essential, being able to communicate effectively with technical specialists is crucial. Think of instances where you've taken complex information and turned it into actionable insights or commercial opportunities, and be prepared to share these during the interview.
✨Balance Impact and Sustainability
NFER values candidates who can balance impact with financial sustainability. Reflect on your past experiences where you've had to make tough decisions that weighed both sides, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to NFER's mission while ensuring financial viability.
