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- Tasks: Lead and innovate student support services to enhance student experience and success.
- Company: Join a dynamic university committed to student wellbeing and support.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional growth opportunities, and impactful leadership role.
- Why this job: Shape the future of student support and make a real difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading diverse student services and strong safeguarding knowledge required.
- Other info: Flexible hours and significant career development potential in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for shaping outstanding student support? We are seeking a dynamic Head of Student Support & Wellbeing to lead our high‑performing services that make a real difference to student experience, continuation and success. This is a pivotal senior role within the Directorate of Student Services & Experience, offering the opportunity to drive strategic development, lead multidisciplinary teams, and influence institution‑wide approaches to wellbeing, safeguarding and student success.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership for a portfolio including Student Services, International Student Support, Student Financial Support, Disability Services, Student Mental Health & Wellbeing, Reception and Chaplaincy.
- Act as the University’s Safeguarding Officer and Prevent Coordinator, ensuring robust compliance, risk management and effective case oversight. Safeguarding Level 3 (or higher) is essential.
- Lead senior managers to deliver high‑quality, inclusive, student‑centred services aligned with institutional priorities.
- Drive continuous improvement, modernisation and service innovation across systems, processes and student support pathways.
- Oversee support for international students, ensuring UKVI compliance, streamlined processes and an excellent induction and transition experience.
- Build strong internal and external partnerships to enhance support, influence sector practice and raise the profile of our services.
- Deputise for the Director of Student Services & Experience, including oversight of the Library Service when required.
You will bring
- Significant experience leading diverse student support services in HE/FE.
- Expert safeguarding and Prevent knowledge and significant experience managing complex cases.
- A strong understanding of widening participation, OfS regulation, APP requirements and relevant legislation.
- Proven ability to lead teams through change while maintaining quality and staff engagement.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
- Confidence using data to inform decisions, evaluate impact and drive improvement.
- A proactive, resilient and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
- Significant senior leadership experience within higher education or comparable student-facing services.
- Demonstrated success leading organisational change, transformation and service improvement.
Why Join Us
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of student support at a time of sector change and evolving student needs. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a role where your leadership will have meaningful impact across the University community. This role requires flexibility, including occasional evenings or weekends during peak periods or in response to safeguarding matters. The appointment is subject to enhanced DBS clearance. If you are a resilient, strategic and student‑centred leader ready to make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Successful applicants will be required to prove their right to work in the UK prior to the commencement of their employment. Whilst the University of Greater Manchester is a licensed sponsor, under UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) not all roles are eligible for visa sponsorship. This position may not meet the criteria for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Eligibility will be assessed in line with the Home Office requirements at the time of making the offer.
Head of Student Support & Wellbeing in Manchester employer: University of Greater Manchester
Contact Detail:
University of Greater Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Support & Wellbeing in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the higher education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around student support and wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved student services. This will showcase your ability to drive strategic development.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Support & Wellbeing in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for student support and wellbeing shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission to enhance the student experience.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in leading diverse student support services. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for.
Be Specific About Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've driven change and improved services!
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Greater Manchester
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of Student Support & Wellbeing role. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding, student mental health, and compliance regulations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing diverse teams and driving change. Think about specific situations where you’ve led initiatives that improved student support services. This will demonstrate your proactive and inclusive approach.
✨Build Connections
Since building strong partnerships is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with internal and external stakeholders in the past. Share stories that illustrate your relationship-building skills and how they’ve positively impacted student experiences.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Familiarise yourself with how data can inform decisions in student support services. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve used data to evaluate impact and drive improvements in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a people person but also someone who values evidence-based practices.