At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead funding allocations and ensure effective public funding in higher education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Generous salary, Civil Service pension, flexible working options, and a diverse workplace.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by shaping higher education regulation.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in managing complex datasets.
Salary: £56,209 – £58,820 plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension
Location: Bristol
Post responsible to: Head of Regulatory Portfolio
We are the independent regulator of higher education in England. We aim to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. The higher education sector in England is complex and diverse and the OfS’s approach to regulation recognises this. Our strategy signals a shift from an organisation in a start–up phase to an established regulator that understands its regulatory tools and how best to use them to shape incentives across the sector we regulate. We work to ensure that students in England enjoy higher education provision that is high quality; that their access to opportunity, success and progression is not limited by background, location or characteristics; and that providers are well and sustainably led.
About the role
We are looking for a Senior Regulation Manager to join the Regulation directorate in one of our agile regulatory roles. While Senior Regulation Managers may work across different areas of the directorate during their time with the OfS, the initial assignment for this post will be within our funding portfolio. You will lead workstreams related to the OfS's funding function and be responsible for leading areas of activity within our programme of funding allocations, alongside the monitoring and assurance of this funding. Working with complex datasets, funding information and regulatory evidence, you will help ensure that public funding is allocated effectively, transparently and in support of the OfS's strategic priorities.
You may be involved in:
- Leading elements of the OfS's funding allocation and assurance processes
- Analysing and interpreting complex datasets, funding information and regulatory evidence to support decision-making
- Developing clear, robust and evidence-based recommendations on funding and regulatory matters
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of funding programmes and initiatives
- Identifying and managing risks associated with funding allocations and funded activities
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to develop funding methodologies, processes and guidance
- Communicating complex analytical findings clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.
This role is particularly suited to individuals with strong analytical capabilities who enjoy working with data and evidence to solve complex problems. Candidates are likely to possess excellent numerical and reasoning skills, with the ability to interpret and advise on complex or unusual data, funding and regulatory issues, and to translate detailed analysis into clear and actionable recommendations. You will also provide leadership within and across teams, managing complex workstreams, supporting colleagues and ensuring delivery against the OfS business plan. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, you will manage sensitive or high-risk issues with professionalism and sound judgement, building effective relationships and driving high-quality outcomes in a complex and evolving regulatory environment.
How we do things is as important to us as what we do. You will demonstrate leadership through our strategic attitudes of being ambitious, collaborative, vigilant and vocal, helping to deliver effective regulation while supporting colleagues and fostering a positive and inclusive working culture.
About you
While you may not have worked previously in a regulator, you will be interested in taking on a role where your judgement, leadership, and analytical skills help protect students and support confidence in the higher education sector.
Person specification (essential skills)
- Ability to lead and manage a flexible team of staff, their wellbeing, performance and development need
- Understand and interpret the OfS’s regulatory framework and to use this to undertake assessments, risk assessments, and interventions; to implement and communicate aspects of the regulatory framework and support teams to do this
- Reach and convey reliable and robust judgements on the basis of complex and, at times, imperfect information and articulate the OfS’s approach clearly to providers
- Work with high levels of complexity and ambiguity
- Think broadly about the theory and practice of regulation
- Adopt a systems approach to service design and delivery
- Work collaboratively and flexibly to deliver the team’s functions
- Undertake professional line management and activity management in a complex environment through a matrix structure
- Effectively communicate policies and requirements clearly when working in teams and teams that include external members
- Produce clear written documentation to comply with the OfS’s tone of voice guidance.
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should be no more than 1000 words and address how your skills and experience can be applied to the Regulation of Higher Education, as outlined in the job advert. Applications will be shortlisted against criteria 1,3,4,7 and 9 so please ensure you address these fully in your application. If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. As part of the interview process, you will be asked to complete a task. During the interview, you will also be asked to present your findings and discuss your approach. The remaining essential criteria will be assessed through competency-based questions and discussion.
Working for us
The OfS regulates the higher education sector on behalf of all students. We value diversity and the wealth of perspectives, experience and ideas that it brings to our work, and we strive to embed equality of opportunity in everything we do. We recruit based on fair and open competition and welcome applications from candidates regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Flexibility is important to the OfS, as we recognise that it can enable people to work more effectively. A set of organisation-wide principles shape our approach to flexible and hybrid working, which our teams use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. In a typical week, we expect colleagues to spend several days working from the office, balancing business needs, team collaboration and individual responsibilities. To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working, for example job share and part time working, apply to this role.
Reasonable adjustments
We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application stage, please contact us at recruitmentteam@officeforstudents.org.uk and we will be happy to help.
Closing date for applications: Monday 7th September at noon. Interviews: TBC
For information: the OfS does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
Senior Regulation Manager in Bristol employer: Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bristol where your analytical skills can directly impact the higher education sector. With a strong commitment to diversity, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on employee development, the OfS fosters a collaborative culture that empowers staff to thrive while ensuring every student has access to high-quality education. Join us to be part of a meaningful mission that shapes the future of higher education in England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Regulation Manager in Bristol
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Regulation Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Office for Students and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Office for Students
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Office for Students, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Office for Students.
