Are you a visionary leader passionate about shaping exceptional student experiences?
We are seeking an outstanding Director of Student Services to join our Executive team and play a pivotal role in transforming how students live, thrive, and succeed while studying at Hartpury.
As Director of Student Services, you will lead a diverse portfolio spanning:
1. Safeguarding and student support
2. Wellbeing, counselling, and health
3. Residential life, accommodation and enrichment
4. Employability, skills and careers
5. Students’ Union
Working closely with the Chief People Officer, you will shape strategy, evaluate services, and harness innovation and technology to deliver inclusive, responsive, and future-focused support.
You will:
6. Ensure student services are aligned with strategic priorities
7. Champion an outstanding student experience that holistically drives engagement, retention and success
8. Inspire high-performing multidisciplinary teams
9. Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring excellence in compliance and student care
10. Develop strong external partnerships (including NHS and community organisations)
11. Use insight and data to deliver targeted, meaningful interventions
12. Drive initiatives that enhance student wellbeing, mental health, employability and inclusion
13. Embed a culture of student voice and co-creation
About You
This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to redefine non-academic student experience, ensuring every student feels supported, safe, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
You are an authentic, resilient and strategic leader with a track record of delivering impactful support.
You will bring:
14. Significant leadership experience in Higher Education or Further Education environments
15. Expertise in safeguarding, wellbeing and student support services
16. Proven success leading service transformation and change
17. Confidence managing high-risk, sensitive casework
18. Strong operational leadership
19. A passion for equity, diversity and inclusion
20. The ability to inspire trust, build partnerships, and influence at the highest level
21. Honours degree (or equivalent experience)
22. Relevant professional qualification / CPD
23. Safeguarding Level 3 (or above)
24. Willingness to work flexibility, including occasional evenings/weekends
We offer a fantastic package of including:
25. Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working
26. 35 days annual leave entitlement
27. Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
28. Generous pension scheme (LGPS)
29. Employee Discounts Scheme
30. Onsite fitness facilities
31. Cycle to Work Scheme
32. Support for continuous professional development
33. Flexible working opportunities available
34. Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
35. Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, launching in 2026
About Us
Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas.A passionate and innovative business culture and exceptional support networks make Hartpury an ideal career choice.
Hartpury is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We particularly welcome applicants that we are underrepresented in, including those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities, and those living with disabilities. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion we offer a range of inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and a multi-faith space to support staff from different backgrounds. To find out more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, please click .
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.