Head of Academic Services

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Head of Academic Services

Application Deadline: 22 January 2026

Department: Academic Unit

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Canary Wharf, London

Compensation: GBP 65,000 / year

Description

Job Purpose

To lead, direct and oversee the Academic Unit of Bath Spa University London (Canary Wharf) (BSUL CW), working closely with senior colleagues in Bath Spa University in Bath, and appropriate partners. To ensure that BSUL CW provides an excellent student experience where students are at the centre of an environment in which both they and staff are challenged and thrive.

About the Role

• To be accountable to the Interim Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Educational Partnerships) to provide leadership and oversee the day-to-day operational management of the Academic Unit and general academic oversight of BSUL CW
• To be part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) for BSUL CW.
• The postholder will manage the Academic Manager and the City Academic Manager at BSUL CW and other staff based in BSUL CW, where appropriate.
• To lead and develop a positive, high performing academic community that embeds the University values, delivers University key priorities, working closely with colleagues in Bath and BSUL where appropriate.
• To engage with external stakeholders and partners, working in close collaboration with our partners and the Associate PVCs to deliver agreed objectives.
• To ensure that learning, teaching and the student experience at BSUL (CW) is outstanding, adopting best pedagogical practices and championing the student voice, working closely with the Associate PVCs.
• To take responsibility for academic quality, enhancement and the overall student performance of our BSUL (CW) provision, acting quickly to drive improvements and performance where necessary (ensuring alignment with Office for Students (OfS) requirements regarding student outcomes, including progression, completion, and graduate employability) and ensuring understanding and compliance with academic policies and procedures, reporting through relevant academic Schools in Bath.
• Provide regular insights and strategic recommendations to senior leadership to support continuous improvement in student outcomes. This will include working with Professional Services at CW and Bath, based on data, to identify strategies and implement timely interventions for at risk students, e.g. at submission points and resubmissions.
• To develop a flexible and dynamic academic portfolio that is relevant, vocational and sustainable, working closely with the relevant colleagues from Bath, including Heads of School and the Head of Academic Delivery (Partnerships).
• To be responsible for workforce, contingency and succession planning, managing space, overseeing timetabling and other resources effectively, within budget to achieve agreed targets and aligned to the strategic priorities of the University.
• To ensure compliance with Bath Spa University policies, procedures and standards including policies relating to health and safety, data protection and immigration compliance.
• To ensure that BSUL CW staff work closely with professional services colleagues in CW and in Bath including Library and Learning Services, the TED team, Human Resources, Admissions and Student and Registry services.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Significant recent experience of using effective leadership and management competencies to create high performing and highly motivated academic teams
• Experience of successfully translating organisational strategy into outcomes
• Experience of supporting non-traditional learners to succeed
• A higher degree in an appropriate discipline

Desirable

• Recent track record of successful leadership of complex change
• Record of research and scholarly activity
• A PhD or other doctoral qualification

Skills and Knowledge:
Essential

• Extensive understanding of the HE and FE sectors, current issues, academic quality assurance and enhancement policies and procedures
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts, with a proactive, approach to solving problems
• Understanding of health and safety, security and compliance

Personal Qualities
Essential

• Positive, adaptable and resilient, with excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration, sharing resources, and active, collegiate contribution to the University's committees and groups
• Demonstrable commitment to continual professional development of self and others

Desirable

• An effective 'networker', highly engaged with the wider community, relevant industry links and/or professional bodies

Additional Information

As BSU CW delivers teaching 7 days per week and in evening, the jobholder will be expected have a work pattern that reflects this type of teaching delivery. The successful candidate has some opportunities to work remotely in line with the hybrid working policy in line with the jobholder's requirements and in agreement with their line manager.

About Bath Spa U Ltd.Bath Spa U Ltd. is part of the Bath Spa University Group which is wholly owned by Bath Spa University. Based at our London campus in Canary Wharf, Bath Spa U Ltd operates a distinct model of higher education and we are proud to serve a non-traditional student population.

Why Join Us

At Bath Spa U Ltd, we are proud of our dynamic and growing community and are building a culture that's all about growth, collaboration, and innovation. Our employees work together in an environment where ideas flow freely, and team spirit is the core of everything we do. The academic environment we cultivate encourages personal and professional growth, making it an exciting time to join us. Being a part of our team, you will have the opportunity to help shape our future, contribute to our continued success, and enjoy the benefits of being part of a forward-thinking institution.

Staff Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave (5.6 weeks) + Bank holidays
• Workplace Pension Scheme
• Company Sick Policy
• Statutory Maternity/Paternity Pays
• Training and Self-development Opportunities

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.