Head of Student Services

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.

As Head of Student Support & Wellbeing, you will:

• 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.  

For further information, please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):