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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance student services and administrative processes.
- Company: Join a prestigious university committed to student success and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41+ days of leave, flexible working, and generous pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student experiences and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in higher education and strong understanding of student systems.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Overview
Reporting to the Associate Director of Student & Academic Services, the Head of Student Registry plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of student-related administrative processes across the University. With a team of 70 staff, this leadership position manages a diverse range of teams, including:
- Registration and Records
- Student Fees and Funding
- Examinations and Results
- Student Engagement and Progression
- Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals
- Data Insight & Business Support
These activities underpin business critical functions, allowing others to discharge their operational, legal and regulatory obligations. The Student Registry teams also manage external relationships with organisations such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) and the Student Loans Company (SLC).
First and foremost, the service has a student-centred approach which aims to ensure students are supported by people and processes, in a fair, transparent and consistent manner.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Management of the Student Registry, ensuring that processes, systems and services align with the Universitys overall strategic objectives.
- Development of the student record, ensuring that student data are accurate, well-managed and support business processes and ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
- Implement robust quality assurance processes across services.
- Undertake systems and process reviews, identifying opportunities for service improvement and engendering a culture of high performance across teams, with a strong focus on customer service.
- Provide expert advice to senior colleagues and academic schools on matters relating to student registration, student funding and finance, student conduct, assessment and progression and other activities supported by Student Registry Teams.
- Stay abreast of legal and regulatory changes relating to the student journey, ensuring that these are captured and reflected in policies, processes and systems operated across the University.
- Development and delivery of operational plans and the setting and monitoring of performance targets across teams.
- Ensure that robust contingency plans are in place across all Student Registry systems and processes, working closely with IT Services, academic schools and wider professional services teams.
- Develop excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage budgets and deploy resources to maximise their impact.
- Represent the Student Registry at University committees and working groups.
- Be an active member of the Student Administration and Academic Affairs Senior Management Team (SMT) as well as a member of the wider Student & Academic Services Leadership Team.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role\\\’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
- Proven leadership experience in a higher education environment within a Student Registry or a related area
- Demonstrable experience of change leadership within a service environment, with a track record of improving efficiency whilst maintaining excellent service levels
- Robust understanding of student record systems, and how these support effective business delivery and ongoing compliance within the current regulatory context
- Experience and knowledge of data management ensuring compliance with GDPR and robust information security
- Strong understanding of UK higher education, and the legal and regulatory landscape, to the level required to provide expert advice to senior leaders
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience in managing budgets and resources effectively
- Excellent IT skills, including experience with student information systems (SIS) and other relevant software
- Experience in using data analysis and reporting to communicate key insights and compelling narratives
- Strong commitment to student success and a student-centred approach
Further Information
- Grade: 9
- Salary: £61,759 – £69,488 per annum, with potential to progress to £80,524 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full-time (minimum 60% on campus in Sheffield)
- Line manager: Associate Director of Student & Academic Services (Student Administration and Academic Affairs)
- Direct reports: Student Registration and Records Manager, Student Conduct & Appeals Manager, Student Fees and Funding Manager, Data Insight and Business Support Manager, Student Engagement and Progress Manager, Student Examinations and Results Manager, Senior Business Support Officer / PA.
Our Benefits
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- Support for those going through the menopause
- Paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- And more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date: 28/09/2025
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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Head of Student Registry employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Registry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University, especially those in Student Registry roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in higher education and student services. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about improving student experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences in managing teams and driving change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Registry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Student Registry. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership position, don’t forget to emphasise your proven leadership experience in higher education. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved services in your previous roles.
Be Data Savvy: We’re keen on candidates who have a robust understanding of student record systems and data management. Make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with data compliance and analysis, especially in relation to GDPR.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of student record systems and the regulatory landscape in UK higher education. Brush up on GDPR compliance and how it relates to data management, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in a higher education environment. Think about times when you've led change or improved efficiency while maintaining excellent service levels. Be ready to discuss how you motivate and develop high-performing teams.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves managing relationships with various stakeholders, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully engaged with internal and external parties. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built strong working relationships in the past.
✨Demonstrate a Student-Centred Approach
Emphasise your commitment to student success throughout the interview. Share specific instances where you've implemented processes or initiatives that prioritised student needs and enhanced their experience. This will resonate well with the university's values.
