The Open University UK Hiring for Director of Technical and Vocational Education Job at Milton Keynes, England Full Time

Although this role is aligned to our Milton Keynes office we are flexible on location across the UK, however regular attendance onsite will be required.

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The Business Development Unit (BDU) is committed to the delivery of innovative and profitable learning solutions, for students, businesses and partners in the UK and globally. The BDU is a key contributor to the Open University’s (OU) strategy for extending reach to more diverse groups of learners through a range of channels, learning opportunities and partnerships that enable innovation and income diversification. The Unit plays a key role in delivering growth in existing markets and establishing the University in new markets, including apprenticeships.

The role

Working as a key member of the BDU’s Senior Leadership Team, The Director of Technical and Vocational Education will take a strategic institutional lead in the development and delivery of the University’s Technical and Vocational portfolio which includes Apprenticeships, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) and Vocational Qualifications (VQ). This role will lead the strategic development and oversight of this portfolio, with a focus on quality, compliance, governance, and decision making whilst enabling the University to grow these lines of business.

Skills and experience

Are you an experienced senior leader who has worked in an academic environment and has extensive experience of academic governance and substantial experience of effective relationship management, at a senior level?

Do you have a proven track record of delivering leadership in a challenging, dynamic and complex environment, with the ability to identify and resolve complex problems and issues?

Are you passionate about change and can demonstrate intellect and creativity in developing strategic and innovative approaches?

Have you got substantial experience of directing complex cross organisation operating models across multiple teams?

Have you got relevant knowledge or experience of technical and vocational provision? Do you understand broader policy and market developments, to assess any potential implications and develop and implement appropriate solutions and strategies in response to the emerging challenges?

If you can answer yes to these questions, then we would love to hear from you.

The full summary of duties and skills required for the role can be found within the Job Description.

If you would like to discuss the recruitment process before making an application, please contact Tracey Hawker at Resourcing Hub on 01908 655544, or [email protected], quoting the vacancy reference number 20470.

What you get in return

We offer a great range of benefits that support our employees and their families for the long term. Benefits include a supportive and friendly working environment, 33 days holiday per annum pro rata plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days and an attractive pension proposition.

How to apply

Unless otherwise stated in the advert, all applications are completed online following the instructions below and clicking the “Apply Now” link below.

To apply for this role please submit the following;

• CV
  
• Personal statement, no more than 1000 words, you should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the relevant section of the job description.
  

The above documents will need to be submitted as one attachment during the application process, please include the personal statement followed by the CV in this document.

To ensure your file is uploaded to our system correctly, please make sure your document is saved with the following file name as appropriate to the vacancy you are applying for: 20470, surname, first initial.

You will need to have your documents ready ahead of submitting the electronic application.

You will receive updates regarding your application from [email protected]. Please ensure this email address is added to your list of trusted senders. Please also keep an eye on your junk folder to ensure you do not miss any important updates regarding this role.

You can view your application communications on the Candidate portal.

Please note: If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that on this occasion you have not been selected for interview, however we thank you for your interest in The Open University and encourage you to apply for future positions.

Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

Closing date: 21 November 2022 by 12 noon

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all our staff can reach their potential and attract diverse candidates. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.

We offer a range of inclusive employment policies which include family and carer friendly flexible working arrangements and have many supportive staff networks and wellbeing services. We also endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity. Our Staff Benefits page under Employment provides further links and information.