At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow assessment services, driving sustainable income and market opportunities.
- Company: NFER, a respected charity improving education through research and assessment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to shape educational outcomes.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven organisation at the forefront of digital capability and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while leading a dynamic, multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex services, business development, and client engagement.
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.
Deputy Director, Assessment Services in Slough employer: Totalwellnessacupuncture
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 contributing to meaningful educational outcomes. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and the chance to lead impactful projects in a respected charity dedicated to improving education both in the UK and internationally.
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 just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding NFER's mission and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about improving educational outcomes. We love candidates who align with our values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience in leading complex services can translate into growth for our assessment services. We want to hear how you can drive sustainable income and identify new market opportunities.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at NFER.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Assessment Services in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in assessment services to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about improving education outcomes and how your background makes you a great candidate for this position. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your ability to think strategically about assessment services. Share examples of how you've identified market opportunities or led teams through change, as this is key for the role we’re looking to fill.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Totalwellnessacupuncture
✨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 is crucial for the Deputy Director position.
✨Understand the Assessment Landscape
While deep assessment expertise isn't essential, having a grasp of current trends and challenges in educational assessment will set you apart. Think about how you can translate technical insights into commercial opportunities and be prepared to discuss this during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about NFER's strategic plans for growth and how the assessment services portfolio fits into their overall mission. This shows your engagement and forward-thinking mindset.
