At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead regulatory activities to protect students and ensure high-quality higher education.
- Company: Join the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while shaping the future of higher education.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, analytical skills, and a passion for education regulation.
The predicted salary is between 56209 - 58820 £ per year.
Salary: £56,209 – £58,820 plus generous Civil Service defined benefit pension
Fixed term contract: 18 months
Location: Bristol
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 number of Senior Regulation Managers to work across the Regulation directorate on a wide range of complex and high‑impact regulatory activity. This is an agile role that supports the OfS’s statutory functions and plays a critical part in protecting the interests of students and maintaining confidence in the higher education sector.
Senior Regulation Managers work across multiple projects over time, providing leadership, oversight, and expert judgement to support effective, proportionate, and evidence based regulation.
You may be involved in:
- Leading, overseeing and assessing provider applications for registration, degree awarding powers, and university title
- Monitoring and investigating provider compliance with registration conditions, using regulatory intelligence to assess risk and determine appropriate interventions
- Overseeing and delivering quality and standards assessments and contributing to related policy and regulatory developments
- Overseeing work on financial sustainability, market exit, and student protection
- Leading the delivery of funded programmes and initiatives
- Driving improvements to internal systems and services that support providers
- Supporting and overseeing complaints‑handling work, including a future free speech complaints scheme
You will provide leadership within and across teams, managing complex casework, supporting colleagues, and ensuring delivery against the OfS business plan. The role involves working closely with internal and external stakeholders, managing sensitive or high‑risk issues with professionalism and sound judgement. You will lead the development of clear, robust, and evidence‑based recommendations to support regulatory decision‑making and consistent delivery.
How we do things is as important to us as what we do, and your approach will be grounded in our strategic attitudes being ambitious, collaborative, vigilant, and vocal.
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 criteria)
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
Senior Regulation Managers may work across different areas over time, but this role may be suited to candidates who have experience of, or a strong interest in, one or more of the following core areas:
Quality assessment
Quality assessment supports the OfS’s responsibilities for safeguarding academic quality and standards. This work involves leading structured assessment processes, working closely with external academic assessors, and producing clear, high‑quality, evidence‑based reports to inform regulatory decisions. It is well suited to those who are confident engaging with both academic and professional stakeholders, synthesising complex evidence, and exercising judgement in assessments that directly affect student outcomes. This work requires a willingness to undertake 4–6 site visits per year (typically over two consecutive days).
Complaints
Complaints work involves overseeing the assessment of concerns raised within a regulated framework and ensuring fair, balanced, and well‑reasoned outcomes. This area requires careful handling of detailed evidence, a strong understanding of regulatory or statutory frameworks, and the ability to manage challenging or sensitive cases with professionalism and impartiality. The work plays a key role in maintaining trust in regulatory processes and protecting students’ interests.
Across all areas, you will contribute senior‑level insight, support consistent and proportionate regulatory delivery, and help strengthen how regulation is designed and implemented across the OfS.
To find more about the OfS and our work, visit Home – Office for Students
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should be no more than 1000 words and should clearly explain how you meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification.
Applications will be shortlisted using criteria 1, 3, 4 and 9 within the person specification. Applicants should ensure they address these points fully in their application.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn.
If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview. As part of the interview process, you will be asked to complete a case study based task on the day. During the interview, you will also be asked to present your findings from the case study 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 and 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 then use as guidance on how they deliver their business goals. This would usually mean working from the office for two to three days in a typical week.
To attract the widest possible field of qualified applicants, flexible working, for example job share and part time working, apply to this role.
In addition, our Total Reward Framework offers a range of benefits to suit your way of life. These include comprehensive learning and development, annual leave starting at 25 days per year (plus public holidays), access to the highly regarded Civil Service pension scheme and a variety of health benefits.
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 22 June at noon
For information: the OfS does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence.
Senior Regulation Managers in Bristol employer: Office for Students
The Office for Students (OfS) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. Located in Bristol, the OfS provides flexible working arrangements, a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to diversity, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the vital mission of enhancing higher education for all students. With opportunities for meaningful impact and growth within a dynamic regulatory environment, the OfS stands out as a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Regulation Managers in Bristol
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Office for Students, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Office for Students and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Regulation Managers 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!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
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.
