Associate Director (Examinations)
Student Information Services
Salary: Band 6 – £44,050 to £48,126
Contract: Permanent, full time
Location: Across College Group campuses
Reporting to: Director of Student Information Services
A senior leadership opportunity in examinations and assessment
We are seeking an experienced examinations professional and strategic leader to join our Student Information Services team as Associate Director (Examinations). This is a key leadership role with responsibility for ensuring the integrity, compliance and continuous improvement of examinations and assessment activity across the College Group.
If you are currently leading examinations — and are ready for your next senior step — this role offers the chance to shape strategy, influence senior decision‑making and make a tangible difference to student success.
The role
As Associate Director (Examinations), you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of all examinations and related assessment processes, ensuring full compliance with JCQ and awarding organisation requirements while maintaining an excellent experience for students and staff.
You will provide strong, visible leadership to multi‑campus teams, oversee complex examination cycles, manage risk and assurance, and play a key role in improving systems, processes and data quality. Working closely with curriculum leaders, senior managers and external stakeholders, you will help ensure that examinations activity supports educational delivery and organisational priorities.
This role also includes deputising for the Director of Student Information Services when required and representing the department internally and externally.
Key responsibilities include:
* Strategic leadership and operational oversight of all internal, external, online and off‑site examinations
* Ensuring full compliance with JCQ, awarding body and legislative requirements
* Line management and development of Exams Team Leaders and their teams
* Planning and delivery of examination timetables, invigilation, access arrangements and results days
* Acting as the senior point of contact for examinations advice, guidance and issue resolution
* Leading service improvement, process review and automation to improve efficiency and resilience
* Producing accurate, timely performance reports for senior leaders and governance
* Supporting inspections, audits, Ofsted, OfS and JCQ visits
* Managing delegated budgets and resources effectively
About you
You will be an experienced, confident leader with a strong professional background in examinations within an education setting. You will combine excellent regulatory knowledge with the ability to lead people, manage complexity and drive improvement.
Essential criteria:
* Extensive, up‑to‑date knowledge of JCQ and awarding organisation regulations
* Proven experience leading and developing teams in a high‑pressure, deadline‑driven environment
* Significant experience in examinations administration or student data management
* Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret and report complex information
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
* High levels of accuracy, organisation and attention to detail
* A values‑driven, student‑focused approach to service delivery
Desirable:
* Degree or higher qualification in a relevant discipline
* Experience using student information systems (e.g. ProSolution)
* Experience contributing to strategic planning or organisational change
Why join us?
* A genuinely senior role with influence across the organisation
* The opportunity to lead improvement, transformation and innovation
* A supportive, values‑led culture focused on partnership and professionalism
* Commitment to leadership development and continuous professional growth
* The chance to make a real difference to student outcomes
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to safeguarding the wellbeing of our staff and students. Some flexibility of working hours will be required during peak examination periods.
Please see the job description for further information.
How to apply
Please apply in line with the guidance provided. Selection may include an assessment activity and interview