Associate Dean - Business & Tourism

Job Description & Person Specification 

About Us 

MATSOLS (Matrix Solutions International Limited), established in 2005, is a global education and consultancy provider committed to delivering high-quality services to students and institutions worldwide. 

We work in partnership with a network of recognised universities and institutions, offering flexible and tailored education pathways across international study destinations, including the UK, USA, and Australia. 

Our approach is student-centred, focused on accessibility, quality, and supporting individuals to achieve their academic and career goals. We also have experience in managing institutional collaborations, delivering our services with professionalism, discretion, and integrity. 

Job Purpose 

The Associate Dean – Business and Tourism provides strategic academic leadership and operational oversight for programmes within Business, Tourism, and Hospitality. The role ensures high-quality teaching, strong student outcomes, and full compliance with UK higher education regulatory frameworks, including the Office for Students and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the strategic development, design, and periodic review of Business, Tourism, and Hospitality programmes to ensure academic rigour, industry relevance, and alignment with institutional priorities
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment, ensuring the use of inclusive, innovative, and student-centred pedagogical approaches
• Ensure compliance with academic quality standards and regulatory requirements, including OfS conditions of registration and QAA quality frameworks, and lead on programme validation and review processes
• Monitor student performance data, including retention, progression, and achievement, and implement targeted interventions to enhance outcomes and close attainment gaps
• Provide leadership, line management, and development support to Programme Leaders and Lecturers, including performance management, workload planning, and staff development
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, scholarly activity, and professional engagement within the academic team
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with employers, industry bodies, and external stakeholders to support curriculum development, employability initiatives, and student opportunities such as placements and live projects
• Contribute to and support research, enterprise, and knowledge exchange activities that align with institutional strategy and enhance external impact
• Support student recruitment, admissions, and marketing activities, including engagement with schools, colleges, and international partners to drive growth in student numbers
• Participate in academic governance, committees, and senior leadership meetings, contributing to strategic planning, policy development, and effective resource management 

Person specification and requirements 

• Ideally minimum 15 years of experience in education or training, preferably within higher education or professional learning environments
• PhD a related field
• Ideally minimum 10 years of experience at a senior leadership level
• Leadership or management qualification (e.g., CMI/ILM Level 5 or above, MA/MSc)
• Teaching qualification (PGCert, SFHEA or equivalent)
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire academic or training teams
• Strong track record in curriculum development, quality assurance, and improving learner outcomes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Commitment to research-informed and practice-based teaching, staff development, and inclusion
• Experience managing resources, workforce planning, and programme delivery
• Ability to represent the organisation externally and build partnerships with healthcare providers, employers, and sector stakeholders

Salaries and Benefits

• Salary is competitive depending on experience
• Workplace pension
• Rewards and recognition programme
• Discretionary annual performance bonus
• Basic hours are 40 per week working on site
• Travel may be required; all expenses reimbursed
• Holiday entitlement is 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 3% annual increase per year (subject to performance and KPIs)
• Complimentary lunch as part of employee benefits

 To apply for this role, please click on the 'Apply' button above (e: careers@matsols.co.uk).