Head of Student Recruitment

Lead Growth. Shape Futures. Drive Recruitment Excellence.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is seeking an ambitious, commercially minded and strategic leader to join us as Head of Student Recruitment (UK and International).

This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping and delivering the University's student recruitment strategy across UK and international markets. As UCA's lead recruitment professional, you will drive sustainable student growth, lead high-performing recruitment teams and provide expert advice to senior leaders on market opportunities, sector trends and recruitment performance.

Working at the heart of the University's growth agenda, you will oversee UK Recruitment, International Recruitment, Schools and Colleges Partnerships, Collaborative Outreach and Recruitment Events, ensuring that every stage of the recruitment journey contributes to achieving ambitious enrolment targets and long-term institutional success.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who combines strategic vision with commercial acumen and a proven ability to deliver growth.

 You will bring: 

• Significant experience leading successful recruitment, sales, business development or student recruitment teams within a complex organisation.
• A strong track record of developing and implementing strategies that achieve growth and measurable performance improvements.
• Extensive experience of recruitment planning, forecasting, pipeline management and target-driven performance reporting.
• Proven success in developing strategic partnerships and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness, including experience managing substantial budgets and investment decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• A data-driven approach with the ability to translate market intelligence into effective strategic decision-making.
• Experience of leading organisational change, service transformation or continuous improvement initiatives.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to motivate and inspire multidisciplinary teams.

 Experience within Higher Education student recruitment is highly desirable, particularly in relation to UK and international recruitment markets. Knowledge of UKVI compliance and international student recruitment regulations would be advantageous.

Why Join UCA?

At UCA, creativity drives everything we do. As a specialist creative university with an international reputation, we are committed to transforming lives through creative education and ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds can access exceptional opportunities.

This role offers a rare opportunity to influence institutional strategy, shape future growth and make a significant impact on the University's success.

Join us and help shape the next generation of creative talent. Apply now!

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