Student Services Manager (Brighton)

Join the WaterBear team and help shape the future of music education

WaterBear is a leading college of music with campuses in Brighton and Sheffield, alongside a thriving global online community. Known for innovation, creativity, and industry collaboration, we offer a fresh and flexible approach to higher education in music.

As we continue to grow—expanding towards 2,000+ students across multiple locations—this is an exciting time to join our dynamic team and play a key role in delivering an outstanding student experience.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Student Services Manager to lead and develop student support services at our Brighton campus.

This is a senior role focused on enhancing the student experience through high-quality wellbeing, safeguarding, and support provision. You’ll work closely with academic teams and senior leadership to ensure students are supported to succeed both personally and academically.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the delivery of student support services, including wellbeing, learning support and retention initiatives
• Acting as the primary contact for student welfare concerns and coordinating appropriate support
• Overseeing safeguarding provision and acting as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures and initiatives that enhance the student experience
• Managing and supporting a team of student services professionals
• Driving student engagement, belonging and retention through collaborative strategies
• Monitoring and evaluating services using data, feedback and engagement metrics
• Managing budgets, resources and programme delivery effectively
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, Prevent and wider higher education regulations
• Building relationships with external agencies and support services where required

What we’re looking for

Essential:

• Able to demonstrate proven competence and experience in a student support role in higher education
• Proven experience managing or leading a student support team
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, wellbeing and student support best practice
• Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Confident decision-maker with a proactive, solutions-focused approach
• Strong administrative and data management skills
• Collaborative and student-focused mindset

Desirable:

• Understanding of the music industry or creative education sector
• Experience supporting diverse or non-traditional student groups
• Knowledge of portfolio careers in the creative industries
• Mental health first aid or wellbeing training
• Experience working with external support agencies

Why join WaterBear?

• Be part of an innovative, fast-growing music college
• Work with passionate students and industry-connected professionals
• Help shape a high-impact student support function
• Enjoy a culture focused on wellbeing and work-life balance
• Access ongoing professional development, coaching and training

Ready to apply?

If you’re passionate about student wellbeing, inclusion, and supporting success in higher education, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now by sending your cover letter and CV via the 'Apply' button above (e:jobs@waterbear.org.uk)