Director of International

Location: Wolverhampton/Hybrid (with extensive international travel)

About the organisation

The University of Wolverhampton is a modern, ambitious and globally connected university. With a community of over 2,000 staff, we combine a strong commitment to widening participation and social mobility with an increasingly international outlook, preparing graduates to succeed in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The University has built a strong reputation for student success, innovation and impact. Recognised with QS Five Stars and ranked as the top university in the West Midlands in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), we are committed to delivering an outstanding student experience while continuously evolving to meet the needs of students, employers and society.

We are actively reshaping the University for the future through a significant programme of strategic investment, portfolio development and campus transformation. This includes the creation of outstanding teaching and learning environments, modernised facilities and a renewed focus on disciplines aligned to future workforce, economic and societal needs. These developments are designed to strengthen our competitiveness, enhance the student experience and support sustainable growth for decades to come.

Research and knowledge exchange are central to our mission. More than half of our research was recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021, while recent Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF6) results placed the University among the strongest performers nationally, with High or Very High ratings across five of the seven areas assessed.

Internationalisation is a key component of our strategy. The University has established partnerships across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, supporting collaborative research, transnational education and student mobility. As we continue to diversify recruitment markets and expand international engagement, we are strengthening our global reputation and creating new opportunities for students and partners worldwide.

Underpinning this ambition is a clear vision for the future: a university that is innovative, agile and globally relevant, while remaining true to its mission of transforming lives through opportunity and education. Through continued investment in people, partnerships, facilities and academic excellence, the University of Wolverhampton is positioning itself for its next phase of growth and impact.

The Director of International will join the University at an exciting moment in its journey. As international activity becomes increasingly central to institutional success, the role will provide strategic leadership for global recruitment, partnership development and market diversification, helping to shape the University’s international future and accelerate sustainable growth across key markets.

About the role

The Director of International will lead the strategic development and delivery of international student recruitment across the University and play a central role in achieving our international ambitions.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Marketing, the postholder will lead our international recruitment, conversion and in-country teams while working closely with colleagues across the University to deliver sustainable growth and market diversification.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering the University’s international recruitment strategy, driving sustainable growth through improved conversion, market diversification and data-informed decision-making.
• Strengthening and optimising the University’s international recruitment channels, including oversight of agent performance, accountability and compliance.
• Enhancing the University’s international profile and market presence across key global territories.
• Building closer alignment between international recruitment, transnational education, partnerships and wider institutional priorities.
• Leading, developing and inspiring international recruitment and conversion teams through a period of transformation.
• Working collaboratively across the University and representing the institution nationally and internationally, building productive relationships with academic colleagues, partners, agents and other key stakeholders.

This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the University’s international success and future direction.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced and credible international recruitment leader who can combine strategic vision with operational delivery.

You will bring significant experience of international student recruitment within higher education and a proven track record of delivering growth, improving performance and leading organisational change. Equally important will be your ability to build trusted relationships, influence senior stakeholders and lead teams through transformation.

You will bring to the role:

• Significant experience of international student recruitment within a UK higher education environment, with a proven track record of delivering growth and associated income.
• A detailed understanding of the international recruitment landscape, including market trends, competitor activity, market diversification and UKVI compliance requirements.
• Experience developing international markets, managing agent networks and optimising a range of recruitment channels.
• Highly developed analytical capability, with the ability to use data, market intelligence and insight to inform strategy, improve performance and manage risk.
• Experience leading, developing and motivating teams through periods of change, creating high-performing and accountable cultures.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to build trusted relationships and influence senior academic leaders, executive colleagues and external partners.
• Commercial acumen combined with sound judgement, balancing growth ambitions with quality, compliance and long-term sustainability.
• The ability to think strategically while maintaining a focus on operational delivery and measurable outcomes.

This role is likely to appeal to an established Head of International Recruitment, Associate Director, Deputy Director or comparable senior leader seeking broader strategic influence and the opportunity to lead a significant institutional transformation agenda.

Applications for this role close at  9 a.m. Monday 30th November

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please visit the Peridot Partners page and contact our advising consultants:

Shaun Eden |  shaun@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07951 509128