Head of Portfolio – Summer Experiences

Do you want to shape and grow Imperial’s global Summer Experiences portfolio, extending the reach of our world‑leading education to learners at every stage?

As Head of Portfolio – Summer Experiences, you will provide strategic and commercial leadership for a diverse and high‑profile portfolio of programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate summer schools, pre‑sessional academic English provision, and global youth programmes, including provision for under‑18s. You will play a central role in defining a coherent, market‑led portfolio that supports Imperial’s broader mission and creates meaningful pathways into degree study.

This is a senior leadership role positioned at the intersection of education, innovation and commercial growth. You will be responsible for ensuring that the Summer Experiences portfolio is both academically aligned and financially sustainable, while delivering an outstanding learner experience.

What you would be doing

In this role, you will lead the Summer Experiences portfolio end‑to‑end, set the strategic direction and ensuring programmes operate as a joined‑up and differentiated offer. You will define and deliver a long‑term roadmap across summer schools, pre‑sessional provision and youth programmes, identifying market opportunities and working closely with academic and professional services colleagues to develop new products that reflect Imperial’s research strengths.

You will bring strong commercial focus, take ownership of revenue performance and ensure sustainable growth across the portfolio. This will involve using data and insight to inform decision‑making, optimise programme performance and manage financial and operational risk.

You will act as the voice of the learner, ensuring that all programmes meet high standards for quality, inclusivity and experience. Alongside this, you will stay attuned to global trends in summer schools, international education and youth programmes, using evidence and feedback to inform continuous improvement and innovation.

Collaboration will be central to your success. You will work closely with colleagues across marketing, recruitment, operations and academic departments to ensure programmes are delivered effectively and consistently and you will act as a senior escalation point for complex issues.

You will also lead and develop a team of Portfolio Managers, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. In addition, you will take a leading role in safeguarding and compliance, ensuring that all programmes, particularly those involving under‑18s, meet the highest standards of care, quality and regulatory requirements.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a strategic and commercially minded leader with experience managing complex education portfolios or comparable products. You will have a strong track record of driving growth, managing budgets and delivering successful programmes at scale.

You will be confident working across organisational boundaries, with the ability to build strong relationships with academic colleagues and senior stakeholders. You will bring a clear understanding of trends within lifelong learning, particularly in global short courses and youth education, and demonstrate the ability to translate market insight into innovative, high‑impact programmes.

You will also be an effective and inspiring team leader, capable of developing high‑performing individuals and creating a shared sense of purpose. Strong communication skills, sound judgement and an entrepreneurial mindset will be essential in this role.

What we can offer you

• A unique opportunity to shape Imperial’s global lifelong learning strategy and make a tangible impact on how we engage learners worldwide.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector‑leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on‑site leisure facilities and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

Further Information

Due to the nature of this role the post holder may be required to travel overseas and to work some evenings and weekends to support activities, for which time off in lieu will be given.

Equal Opportunity

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities.