Head of Curriculum Systems and Data Management
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We are looking for an experienced and solution-focused Head of Curriculum Systems and Data Management who will play a pivotal role both in shaping the accuracy and integrity of this crucial set of data and developing our data management framework. In this key position, you will oversee the Curriculum Systems and Data Management Team in the maintenance of curriculum and student records within the Student Record System (currently SITS), ensuring robust processes, accurate data, and seamless support for the student journey. The post holder will work closely with colleagues across the University to ensure our systems meet operational needs and support the External Returns team in their work.
You will also take ownership of developing and enhancing the University's academic calendar, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver the best possible student experience.
The University of Bedfordshire is committed to offering our students a transformational experience that will engage their minds, excite their imaginations and give them the confidence to fulfil their dreams. In turn, we're looking for committed and talented people who share our passion and enthusiasm for transforming lives. If you would like to be part of a values-driven university with a high-performance culture, dedicated to providing an excellent student and staff experience in a vibrant and diverse academic community, then we'd like to hear from you.
This post-holder will be based in Luton.
If you have any specific questions regarding this post please contact Ms Ruth Bourne, Registrar and University Secretary, at Ruth.Bourne@beds.ac.uk
Closing date: 19 June 2026
Interviews will be held: Week commencing 6 July 2026
For a full job description and person specification please click here.
The University is committed to equality of opportunity and values the diversity of all its workforce and student population.
At the University of Bedfordshire, inclusivity is a key University value, and we are committed to creating an environment in which we celebrate and value the diversity of our staff and student community and provide fair opportunity and outcomes for all.
We recognise that diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent and benefit from opportunities that the diversity of talent and thought creates.
We, therefore, particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in the University of Bedfordshire's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority backgrounds (particularly in roles in grades 7 and above), disabled people; LGBTQ+ people; and women in some senior grades.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
We offer a range of employee benefits including a generous pension and annual leave entitlement, free fitness classes and gym membership, flexible working arrangements, personal and professional development and family-friendly policies. For further details, please click here
To apply:
Please visit our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs and complete the online application.
For any enquires contact People & Culture email P&C@beds.ac.uk. Please quote reference number and job title.
Please note a Curriculum Vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a fully completed University application form.
All applications must be received by midnight on the closing date. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.
Job Description Template
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JOB DESCRIPTION Head of Curriculum Systems and Data Management
Details
Job Title: Head of Curriculum Systems and Data Management
Department: Registry
Job Reports To: Director of Quality, Data & Systems
Location: Luton
Post Number:
Pay Point: Grade 8
Context
As a line manager role, this role has management and leadership responsibilities. We expect all line managers to role model all qualities (a combination of competencies and behaviours) expressed in our Leadership Framework Leadership Framework | University of Bedfordshire.
The post holder manages the Curriculum Systems and Data Management Team. The post holder oversees the setup and maintenance of the curriculum and students' data on the Student Record System (currently SITS), including establishing robust procedures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this crucial set of data. Working closely with the Strategic Improvement team and other central and academic departments,
The post holder is responsible for ensuring the SITS set up meets the needs of the University both in terms of management of the student journey and facilitating the completion of external data returns.
The post holder is also responsible for the development of the University's academic calendar.
Key Elements
1. This post has MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY YES X NO
2. This job requires SAFEGUARDING YES NO X
3. This is a KEY POST (i.e. must have a nominated deputy) YES NO X
Principal Accountabilities
Team Management
• At all times to role model all Leadership Qualities expressed in our Leadership Framework Leadership Framework | University of Bedfordshire, which applies to all line managers, and includes four pillars: Future Focused, Connect and Include, Create, learn, Deliver, and, Build Brilliant Teams.
• Through excellent leadership, effectively and efficiently manage the duties and responsibilities of the Curriculum Systems and Data Management Team ensuring service provision is professional, timely and effective.
• To establish clear and unambiguous task objectives, provide clarification as required, organise and delegate work as appropriate, ensuring the development of a team ethos and unity of purpose.
• To plan and prioritise the work of the team, ensuring all internal and external deadlines are met in line with the annual calendar of activities to support the student lifecycle.
• To ensure the motivation, competence and continued development of the Curriculum Systems and Data Management Team by on-going assessment of staff skills, implementing training programmes to support identified gaps, including potential single points of failure.
• To facilitate the development of internal and external networks whereby effective communication of ideas and developments can be achieved to support the fulfilment of the team's role
BEDS2936
£48,822 - £58,225
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Statutory Returns
• To support the Head of External Returns in the delivery of external returns to established deadlines. Ensuring that the student records system is configured to expedite the compilation of external returns.
• With the Director of Strategic Improvement, support the HESES return and ensure that robust and comprehensive procedures are in place in line with other external statutory returns.
SITS Operations and Data Management
• Ensure the effective operation of the annual processes within Curriculum Systems and Data Management; these include (but are not limited to): setup and maintenance of course, programme, module and assessment data on the Student Record System, progression; assessment, student registration, annual tuition-fee set-up; resolution of escalated queries from academic and professional departments and regular data cleansing.
• In conjuncture with colleagues in Academic Registry, ICT and other central professional departments, ensure that high quality and comprehensive information is held on the Student Records System, helping to foster a culture of data ownership within the organisation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a training calendar and materials for a wide range of SITS users across the University.
• As a member of the Registrar's Data Governance Group, actively contribute to the production and implementation of a good data governance policy for the University.
• Contribute to University-wide efforts to streamline and simplify processes and practices in respect of SITS data management.
Management Information
• Oversee the development of standards and data integrity reports to monitor data quality on the Student Records System.
• Support the Head of External Returns with data extractions and reports to assist in the completion of external returns.
• Act as a business partner, working with professional and academic colleagues to support their business processes and data and reporting requirements.
• Oversee the maintenance of data on the Student Loan Company portal.
Academic Calendar
• Engage with stakeholders across the University to develop an academic calendar that delivers the best possible student experience.
• Monitor the impact of the delivery of the academic calendar and identify and resolve issues for further calendar development.
General
• To attend training seminars and contribute to forums, representing the University of Bedfordshire and building networks with colleagues.
• To act as a key point of contact on all matters relating to student records across the University and liaise with Faculties and operational Departments to ensure compliance with data quality and internal
• To contribute and support University projects as required, including the provision of expert guidance in relation to the use of student data by corporate systems
• To adopt further responsibilities as directed by line management, in keeping with the grade and nature of the core role and the developing competence of the job-holder.
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Person Specification
Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria
Evidence (Indicate where evidence will be assessed from)
Qualifications
• A First degree or equivalent professional experience • Professional qualification(s) relevant to data administration
• Application Form • Presentation • Interview
Knowledge
• Detailed understanding of the Higher Education statutory reporting environment
• Excellent practical and analytical understanding of student administration systems within a contemporary higher education environment
• Application Form • Presentation • Interview
Experience
• Extensive experience of submitting accurate statutory returns
• Experience of working with student records systems, relational databases and associated reporting tools at a number of higher education providers
• Experience of ensuring compliance (to external statutory requirements) in the maintenance of accurate student records in a higher education setting
• Experience of direct management and development of specialist teams within large and complex organisations
• Experience of developing, implementing and evaluating policies and processes
• Experience of interpreting statutory body requirements to meet the complexity of higher education organisations
• Experience of communicating to a range of audiences within an organisation
• Significant, recent experience gained in a Tribal/SITS environment or role
• Experience of developing and delivering business intelligence in a complex organization.
• Experience of TEF metrics and sector KPI's
• Application Form • Presentation • Interview
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Skills/abilities/ competencies
• Ability to role model and apply our Leadership Qualities in every-day decisions, planning and behaviours. Leadership Qualities are expressed in our Leadership Framework Leadership Framework | University of Bedfordshire, which includes four pillars: Future Focused, Connect and Include, Create, learn, Deliver, and, Build Brilliant Teams.
• Strong decision-making and organisational abilities, including an ability to manage priorities and workloads
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with individuals and teams at all levels both within and external to the organisation
• Strong IT skills, including MS Word, Outlook and Excel • Ability to write reports that combine data and narrative in a
meaningful way
• Application Form • Presentation • Interview • Written exercise
Personal Attributes
• Motivational and proven at team leadership
• Proactive and conscientious, with a positive attitude to 'change'
• Reliable and resourceful with strong attention to accuracy and detail
• Enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude • Excellent communicator
• Application Form • Presentation • Interview • Written exercise
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Equality Statement
The University of Bedfordshire is fully committed to the principles of equality in all its actions. Members of the
University's community are expected to respect and value individuality, differences and diversity; and work with
others in an inclusive and consultative manner. A commitment to equality of opportunity for all individuals
irrespective of their age, belief, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation is at the core of what we do
and members of the community must actively promote a positive non-discriminatory work and learning
environment for fellow staff and students. Employees should demonstrate an understanding of the University's
commitments to equality and diversity as an integral part of the university's core values and be able to identify
and challenge discrimination, harassment, prejudice and inappropriate behaviour.
Health & Safety Statement
All employees are required to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the
University's Health and Safety (H & S) at Work Policy. They should take reasonable care for their own H & S and
that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do. Staff should correctly use work items
provided by the University, including personal protective equipment in accordance with training or instructions.
Environmental Statement
Employees must make proper use of any equipment and systems of work provided and take all reasonable steps
to ensure that control measures are properly used. Employees must work with their Line Managers to ensure
that an inventory is retained of all hazardous substances in the office that could be released into the environment.
Employees are expected to identify operations that use significant amounts of energy, with a view to reducing
consumption. This includes identifying operations that use resources, such as paper, and review the need for the
current level of consumption, identifying savings where possible. Employees are expected to identify waste
streams with a view to recycling and reuse, minimising office energy use in heating and lighting.
Briefing
Note: the content of this Job Description does not preclude other work required by the faculty department. Details of accountabilities will be discussed at annual reviews.
Date Job Description issued to, discussed with and understood by Post Holder
Name of Post Holder: Signature: (I confirm I have been briefed on the requirements of this Job Description and other related documents)
Name of immediate Line manager: Signature:
(I confirm I have briefed the Post Holder on the requirements of this Job Description and other related documents)
Amended by: Dated: Version :