Full time, Fixed-term role (18 months)
Oxford Brookes University is a modern and forward‑thinking institution with a global reputation for high‑quality teaching, impactful research and an excellent student experience. Rooted in a city renowned for culture and learning, we embrace innovation while remaining connected to a rich academic heritage. Our people are central to our success, and we are committed to creating an environment where colleagues can develop, progress and thrive.
We proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, and we welcome individuals who share our values of inclusivity, ambition and service excellence.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Educational Partnerships Project Manager to lead the commercial and operational onboarding of new global partnerships. This is a pivotal role that ensures new international opportunities are rigorously assessed, strategically aligned, and progressed efficiently through University governance.
Working within the Marketing, Recruitment and Engagement Directorate, you will act as a specialist project lead—joining up commercial, legal, financial and operational strands to ensure new transnational education (TNE) partnerships are viable, sustainable and fully supported. You will provide high‑level analysis, evidence‑based recommendations, and structured project oversight to enable informed decision‑making at senior executive level.
What will I be doing?
In this strategic and highly collaborative role, you will:
* Lead the end‑to‑end commercial approval process for new transnational education partners, including business case development and financial due diligence.
* Coordinate contract lifecycles with Legal Services, ensuring agreements reflect delivery models, compliance requirements and risk mitigation.
* Develop and manage project plans aligned to in‑country regulatory frameworks and University governance milestones.
* Act as the primary liaison with international partners during the commercial setup phase.
* Produce high‑quality reports and strategic recommendations for senior committees.
* Identify project risks, maintain risk registers and ensure they are owned and managed by relevant stakeholders.
* Lead handover processes for new partnerships, ensuring smooth transition to academic validation and quality assurance teams.
* Contribute to market intelligence by monitoring policy changes, global regulatory shifts and international HE trends.
What skills do I need?
Essential:
* Degree or equivalent professional experience.
* Proven experience providing high‑quality, evidence‑based briefings for senior stakeholders.
* Significant experience leading commercial onboarding processes, including risk management and financial due diligence.
* Strong project management capability, with experience coordinating complex multi‑stakeholder projects.
* Experience managing contract lifecycles and coordinating with legal teams.
* Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills.
* Ability to analyse and interpret global regulatory environments and identify potential risks or opportunities.
Desirable:
* Experience in transnational education (TNE) or international HE partnerships.
* Understanding of global higher education systems and market dynamics
* Cross-cultural communication skills.
About the location
The role is based at our, one mile from Oxford city centre and well served by public transport. Hybrid working is supported, with on‑campus attendance typically 1–2 days per week, depending on business needs.
Benefits
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy:
* A minimum of 25 days annual leave, increasing with service, plus Bank Holidays and around 5 University closure days.
* Competitive (LGPS) with a 19.2% employer contribution.
* Support for hybrid working and access to wellbeing initiatives.
* Discounts on travel, sports facilities, TOTUM card, on‑site nursery, staff networks and development opportunities.
* Access to financial education, employee assistance services and a relocation scheme (where eligible).
Equality, diversity and inclusion
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.