Senior Qualification Manager - Modern Foreign Languages

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Job Description

Senior Qualification Manager - Secondary Modern Foreign Language Qualifications, UK

We are looking for a Senior Qualification Manager for Modern Foreign Language Qualifications who has a passion for Languages education and wants to be part of bringing our vision for MFL to life.

You'll be supporting the development and implementation of the strategy for our complete suite of Language qualifications, and line managing a team of talented Qualification Managers and Developers in order to deliver on that strategy.

You'll work with a wide range of stakeholders both internally at Pearson and with teachers, students, and experts within the wider education community.

JOB PURPOSE

• To maintain a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics in a subject/s, to create compelling propositions and inform market-winning product development.

• To lead subject strategy, with the support of head of and in partnership with broader portfolio - including forecasting for the subject / portfolio.

• To maintain a deep understanding of teaching, learning and assessment in a subject/s, through close and continuous liaison with a range of subject stakeholders.

• To represent and build Pearson's subject profile for given subject with external stakeholders.

• To lead, facilitate and support effective collaboration of subject team with other functions.

• To identify and support a best-in-class customer experience through the events, free surround and additional services that we provide at launch and throughout the lifecycle, continually improving that experience in a subject/s.

• To scope, design and develop qualifications and sample assessments that inspire teachers, engage learners and enable progression.

• Where required, to lead and manage a small number of direct reports to deliver strategy, qualifications, support and outstanding customer support and to contribute to achieving growth targets.

• To contribute to the overall strategy for growth of our academic qualifications portfolio.

• To provide deep subject expertise to build the strength of our subject leadership, strategy and implementation. Ensure subject voice is represented in all role accountabilities.

Subject specialism is required

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Lead subject strategy development and implementation; lead innovation within subject strategy, propositions and services/support

• Develop winning subject strategy - with clear implementation plans

• Manage qualifications throughout their lifecycle - working with the subject Head of to make well-timed decisions about withdrawal, extension, redevelopment, new market entry and strategies for mid-cycle growth
• Develop winning subject propositions (at launch and mid-cycle), with clear USPs
• Based on research and clear articulation of customer needs, identify and implement / facilitate implementation of innovations to enhance our offer and services to customers and to build competitive advantage

• Track, analyse and respond to competitor activity

2. Manage budgets, forecasting revenues

• Generate and lead compelling business cases for qualifications at different stages of the product life cycle

• Manage opex and capex budgets for given qualifications

• Compile one- and three-year forecasts for subject/s as part of our annual planning cycle.

3. Lead and manage Product Managers / Product Developers

• Where required, lead and line manage one or more Product Managers / Product Developers, to achieve the overall GQ strategy and subject strategy; includes setting priorities and specific projects.

• Support development and effective working of direct reports.

• Ensure deliverables as a team are to time, cost and quality - and in line with overall subject / portfolio strategy.

• With support, recruit into team as required.

4. Develop and maintain subject and market insight

• Develop and maintain an in-depth evidence base of learner needs in MFL through a continuous programme of research with teachers, stakeholders and learners themselves

• Develop and maintain an in-depth evidence base of teacher/centre needs and behaviours in MFL, including teacher needs and behaviours at a subject level in international markets

• Develop and maintain relationships with subject stakeholders throughout the life of a qualification, to build an evidence base for criteria/AO drafting, qualification developments and annual reviews through the lifecycle

• Develop and maintain insight into best practice (pedagogy, assessment) MFL.

5. Brief, develop and launch new qualifications

• Create models and co-create design plans for qualifications that draw from a strong, research-driven evidence base, and deliver the strategy and proposition agreed (for both UK and international markets where appropriate) - working in close collaboration with the broader subject portfolio team and GQ Development team.

• Lead qualification developments through the writing, submission and resubmission process (e.g. helping to source and brief writers, reviewing materials, ongoing content research and development) to ensure they are fully in line with teacher, learner and Ofqual / regulatory requirements and our strategy

• Work with sales and marketing colleagues to devise and implement an effective data-driven campaign strategy and customer journey

• Keep oversight of strategy and planning for customer-facing events and networks; recruit, train and (for non-core subjects) deploy credible specialists.

• Set the vision and design (with the Head of) and provide support for subject portfolio to Head of on their sign-off of qualification content / design.

6. Supporting teachers and learners through the lifecycle

• Implement improved monitoring of customer experience at regular points through the lifecycle (from NPS tracking to regular, in-depth qualitative insight)

• Lead subject level work with colleagues across the business to instigate a step-change in the customer experience of our general qualifications, to deliver consistently high satisfaction and retention levels, and to systematically attract new business

• Anticipate and meet customer needs better than our competitors, including ensuring high-quality free surround and support services at launch and throughout the lifecycle as part of a coherent, integrated proposition across free and paid-for (to support both UK and international customers).

7. Leadership

• Work effectively in virtual teams with colleagues across Pearson to ensure a positive working culture, in support of Pearson Schools strategy both in the UK and internationally

• Champion a 'Customer First' culture within the business, ensuring that all decisions are made with reference to the needs of our customers and learners.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience of working within education sector.

• Experience of working in a regulated environment.

• Understanding of education assessment, practice and policy.

• Knowledge of current education practice and policy

• Strong subject experience in MFL

• Experience of developing and implementing innovative, winning customer-focused strategies.

• Experience of working effectively in a complex matrix.

• Experience in partnering effectively with sales and marketing teams.

• Experience of working with internal and external stakeholders.

• Financial planning skills - managing forecasts and budgets.

• Knowledge and understanding of assessment techniques and principles.

• Experience of leading and influencing within a matrix.

Desirable

• Project management.

• Experience of product management of qualifications.

• Experience of qualification design.

• Direct teaching experience.

SKILLS and BEHAVIOURS

Essential

• Commercial acumen.

• Customer empathy.

• Entrepreneurial outlook and ability to innovate.

• Ability to think strategically.

• Creative thinking and ability to think laterally.

• Can-do attitude.

• Ability to motivate, lead, influence and empower others.

• Excellent collaboration skills.

• Ability to deliver.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Your rewards & benefits

We know you'll do great work, so we give a lot back with some of the best benefits in the business. We know one size doesn't fit all, so our workplace programs meet the different needs of our diverse teams, and their families, too.

Please see our attractive UK benefits here: Pearson Jobs - Benefits