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Appointment of
September 2021
Director of Jobs for Students,
University of Bolton
Message from the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Transformation)
I am delighted that you are interested in the role of Director of Jobs for Students and
becoming part of the senior management team at the University which makes a
positive difference to our diverse community of students and graduates. As a highly
ambitious and agile university, we are well positioned to thrive in the current highly
competitive Higher Education sector and utilise the strategic market opportunities.
The defining principle of our vision and strategy is to be recognised as the UK’s
leading, indeed only, truly ‘Teaching Intensive, Research Informed’ university. Such
intensive teaching is being underpinned and informed by relevant and high -quality
research.
We are passionate about developing the capability and capacity of our students to
excel in a complex and rapidly changing world. Every one of us at the University strives
to ensure that our students have both deep subject knowledge and strong
employability skills to empower their careers and life success.
We consistently deliver an outstanding student experience, which is reflected in our
Silver award under the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and repeated success
in achieving the highest ranking for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey
(NSS) across the region. In this next phase of our future, we are seeking to build upon
our successes and continue to realise the ambitions and aspirations of our diverse,
innovative and engaging community.
As part of this strategy, we want to deliver a step-change for our students in their
graduate employment prospects, and the Director of Jobs for Students is core to the
success of that mission. The University has invested in the people and resources to
enhance its provision in all key areas; to improve the skills, knowledge, behaviours
and confidence of our students to enable them to successfully apply for, and ultimately
be appointed into, graduate level job opportunities in the increasingly competitive
marketplace.
The successful candidate will lead the University’s Jobs for Students Directorate and
hold the central role in taking the employability of our students to the next level, leading
tangible and transformative change in this area – developing and embedding an
employability strategy across the University that provides high quality industry work
placement opportunities, develops the employability skills of our students, embeds key
graduate attributes in the core curriculum, and prepares our students for the rapidly
evolving graduate job market. Establishing partnerships with businesses is critical to
achieving this exciting change and improving the employment prospects for our
students.
As a small Higher Education Institution (HEI) the University has a family and collegiate
feel, with a culture of agility and willingness to create and take advantage of new
approaches and opportunities for the benefit of our students.
This is an exciting time to join the University of Bolton Group and I hope you will
consider this exciting opportunity to have a real impact on the lives of our students.
Caroline Cowburn
Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Transformation)
About the University of Bolton
The University traces its educational roots all the way back to 1824 when it opened as
one of the first mechanics’ institutes. Granted University status in 2005, Bolton now
has a global student body of around 11,000 – including all campuses and affiliates –
employing over 750 people and with a turnover of £60m, circa £100m for the Group.
The University is based on a modern, compact, town-centre campus. Our strong
industry links allow us to provide a large number of professionally accredited courses
through partnerships that include several Chartered Institutes, the British
Psychological Society and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. More than 30 of our
courses are professionally accredited, reflecting the industry focus of course content.
The University of Bolton is committed to helping and supporting students, teachers
and advisers at every stage of the journey into higher education. Valuing its strong
partnerships with local schools and colleges, the University offers a range of activities
supporting progression into higher education.
Our UK campus development
In recent years, the University has had a major redevelopment programme creating
new facilities for study and recreation. In early 2012, we opened a moot Law Court
and Bolton One, our new, purpose-built, £31 million health, leisure and research
centre, in partnership with NHS Bolton and Bolton Council. It is home to premier
teaching and research activity, including flagship health and sports courses and
services which are open to everyone. These include an Athlete Development Centre,
Sports and Spinal Injury Clinic, climbing wall, Centre for Research and Health and
Wellbeing, and a Clinical Simulation suite. 2013 saw the launch of the Business School
– hosting Business, Law and Accountancy, along with the Centre of Islamic Finance
under one roof. In late 2017, the new facility for the re-branded Institute of
Management (consisting of Business and Accounting) opened in state-of-the-art
facilities adjacent to Bolton’s transport inter-change. There is also a recent purpose-
built £10m National Centre for Motorsports’ Engineering.
The Teaching Intensive Research Informed (TIRI) agenda
The core purpose of the TIRI agenda is to provide excellent teaching and an
unparalleled learning experience to our students. This involves developing “Platinum
Courses” in a focused set of academic disciplines in which the University will be a
leading provider of Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses. These courses will be
market-relevant, attracting a critical mass of high quality students from across the UK
and internationally.
The TIRI approach aims to achieve the overall excellence in teaching and student
learning through the following key elements: excellent academic staff; state-of-the-art
course curriculum and content design: innovative teaching delivery methods and
processes, rigorous research underpinning the teaching; high quality facilities and
learning environment; robust quality assurance systems and processes; and
outstanding student support and experience throughout the student life cycle.
All the academic and support units across the University are aligned towards this
overarching approach.
Recent developments and our current situation
In August 2018, the University acquired Bolton College, situated across the road from
the University, which provides vocational training to some 10,000 learners. This
transaction was the first of its kind in England and, coupled with the acquisition of
Alliance Learning, allows for a ‘one-stop-shop’ within the University Group for
Apprenticeships all the way from level 2 to level 7. We believe this will be of very
significant benefit to students and employers. The University acquired the outdoor
activity charity, The Anderton Centre, in March 2019, enabling us to provide a range
of enhanced experiences for our students. The University Collegiate School, part of
the Quest multiacademy trust, is located adjacent to the campus. The University
continues to invest in and further develop its estate and facilities and has ambitious
plans for its future, including the potential development of the Bolton College of
Medical Sciences in conjunction with Bolton NHS Trust. The development of the
Bolton Education Zone as a clearly differentiated quarter of Bolton has resulted in the
regeneration and transformation of the town.
The University aims to continue to contribute to the economic development of Bolton
and the wider region, as an engine for regional growth through education, training and
knowledge exchange. The University is therefore very well placed to embark on the
next stage of its evolution, to consolidate and develop its existing areas of strength,
and to identify, invest in and grow, new centres of potential excellence aligned with
industry needs
Our direction
We will capitalise on our regional strength to build a national and international brand
by enhancing the quality, reputation and perception of the organisation. This aim will
be achieved through consolidation, focus, differentiation and the creation of value
through teaching, learning and knowledge exchange. The University and all its
programmes will present a distinctive competence and unique excellence. As an
organisation striving for the highest quality in all we do, we will offer our students the
very best teaching intensive experience underpinned and informed by high quality
research
Key priorities
Investment in staff, developing our existing staff as well as making new
appointments
Key objectives
graduates
Our Ethos
class, industry-relevant courses. We aim for teaching that inspires and
motivates our students in a distinctive and distinguished learning environment
century and help shape the businesses and communities of tomorrow through
sharing and the application of knowledge.
into the University and into our partnerships. We strongly support individual
researchers as well as research groups, and create partnerships based on
mutual respect and equality.
encourage career development from all our staff. Our Teaching Intensive,
Research Informed approach means we offer distinctive, high -quality, student-
focused programmes which are inspired by the world-leading research being
conducted by our staff, and the strong links to global industry they foster.
pride in our top facilities which help to enhance the learning experience of our
students.
a culturally diverse, inclusive learning community in which staff and students
continue to learn from and celebrate individual differences.
emphasis on developing the skills and the interests, as well as stimulating new
knowledge and skills. We use assessment data to improve the teaching and
learning system, curriculum, instruction, learning resources, counselling and
student services and show adaptability, rigour and flexibility in identifying and
meeting the needs of individuals.
The Future – An Ever-Changing University
The University of Bolton is not a typical university. We’ve been developing, learning
and evolving ever since the beginning of our journey as an educational institution,
almost 200 years ago. With our commitment to our students and our culture of
embracing change, we can be sure that we will continue to grow and strive for
excellence for many more years. Within the last few years and decades, we have seen
significant changes for our institution, and the future is just as exciting.
“Changing The Value Of A University Education”
The higher education system in the UK has changed dramatically over the past few
years.
We’ve not only kept up with changes, but actively anticipated trends, to ensure that
our students graduate with the best possible experience and career prospects. We
regularly review and change our courses to ensure that they deliver industry-relevant
knowledge and skills. We’ve developed a number of very career-focused courses:
from sport rehabilitation to dental technology, special effects to motorsport
engineering.
As well as teaching students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the
workplace, we also provide them with opportunities to develop real experiences of
work with placements, live projects and collaborations with businesses.
With our focus on graduate employability, we demonstrate that our role as a university
goes beyond merely teaching. We’re in the business of transforming lives. Our role is
to fully prepare our students so that they have the opportunities and self -belief they
need to make a success of their futures.
By working with businesses and employers, we create focused, industry-relevant
courses that attract high-achieving students from across the nation. Our students
study in surroundings which reflect as closely as possible the working environment
which they are likely to enter, with industry standard equipment.
We’re also one of the most ethnically diverse universities in the UK, and one of the
best universities for social inclusion. Many of our students are the first in their family
to benefit from higher education, and we’re extremely proud to play our part in raising
the aspirations and improving the career prospects of so many young people.
Graduate Attribute Matrix for Employability
At the University of Bolton, we have developed the Graduate Attributes Matrix for
Employability (GAME). This matrix aims to evidence the development potential that a
student can have within the Bolton learning environment.
We believe every student and graduate is unique; each has their own experiences,
learning and way of approaching life. The quality, depth and breadth of experiences
while at the University of Bolton enable and encourage the development of
characteristic attributes which set our students apart. The Graduate attributes are the
personal qualities, skills and academic abilities that the University of Bolton community
values, and that a student should acquire during their time at this University, through
a programme of study, as well as through the wider student experience.
Graduate Attributes are:
experiences and as a result of continuous learning and reflection.
development and comprehension.
We have set out the attributes and skills that we expect all of our graduates to leave
our University with. Each attribute enhances one another, and the diverse mixture will
be beneficial throughout a student’s time both within and outside their chosen
profession.
For more information, please see:
https://www.bolton.ac.uk/student-
life/careers-and-employability/develop-my-
skills/
Structure
As part of the Un iversity’s key strategic agenda to enhance graduate employability
and outcomes, in recent years we have invested in people and resources that
strengthen the Directorate that the role-holder has responsibility for. The team is
currently resourced as follows:
The Role
The University seeks a new Director of Jobs for Students to lead the Jobs for Students
Directorate and deliver a step-change in the employment outcomes our graduates
achieve.
Reporting to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Transformation), the post holder is a key
individual within a team of Directors who are seeking to transform and modernise the
non-academic student experience and the way that the University interfaces with
business. The Director will lead and manage the Jobs for Students Directorate and
work collaboratively with academic schools, faculties, and central service areas, to
ensure that the University achieves and maintains a high level of performance in all
national measures.
An experienced graduate recruitment professional, the successful candidate will bring
a deep and current knowledge of the graduate labour market and recruitment trends,
exceptional customer relations, communication and negotiation skills, and a proven
ability to develop meaningful partnerships. Critically, they will offer a demonstrable
track record of success in creating and leading a high-performance team to deliver
innovative careers and employability services for students and recent graduates that
optimises their confidence and capabilities to win graduate jobs in a highly competitive
market. The Director will share in our deeply held commitment to an outstanding
student experience that shapes the lives of our graduates.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provide strategic leadership and management of a high-performance Jobs for
Students Directorate, that is proactive and innovative to ensure delivery of an
outstanding integrated service that results in students securing graduate jobs.
2. Manage and influence internal collaborations – work in collaboration with
Academic Schools, Faculties and Service Departments to support the
promotion of the University, our students and our alumni to industry, commerce,
government and relevant professional bodies.
4. Ensure that the Directorate provides a breadth of support and approaches that
build aspiration, confidence, resilience and know-how for students, supporting
them to compete successfully for graduate jobs. Additionally, to ensure that
careers support is embedded through the student lifecycle and to work
collaboratively with other Directorates to provide students with access to
specialist services.
5. Provide strategic leadership in the delivery of graduate job outcomes to meet,
and subsequently exceed, the Office for Students’ regulatory baseline
performance requirements and the University’s ambitions, including those for
targeted groups of students effectively preparing the University for a successful
TEF award in respect of graduate outcomes.
6. Develop and utilise effective links with employers, not just those locally in the
Greater Manchester area but also developing links with those in the Times Top
100 and Guardian 300 nationally, to secure placements and graduate
employment.
7. As a senior ambassador of the University, engage with external stakeholders
(e.g. professional, national or international bodies and high-level advisory
groups) to raise the University’s reputation for graduate employment.
8. Maintain a strong understanding of the sector and provide the University with
timely intelligence that informs planning and shares best practice with academic
and professional colleagues.
9. Act as the central point of contact for the University through a team of Employer
Engagement Consultants, developing and refining systems and processes to
effectively manage relationships and referrals to other employer services,
particularly Apprenticeships, both within the University and the wider Group.
3. Provide strategic leadership that ensures that the graduate employability
strategy is embedded within the curriculum, working collaboratively with
academic colleagues to evaluate and enhance the Graduates Attributes Matrix
(GAME) to ensure it meets the changing requirements of employers.
11. Ensure that students have the opportunity to experience industry and public
sectors through high quality placements, and to promote events, initiatives and
opportunities that optimise student participation .
12. Influence and be responsive to changes in the regulatory environment, policy
developments and labour market conditions, and lead the University in its
understanding of graduate employability and enterprise.
13. Provide timely, high quality and evidence-based reports to the Executive
Board and relevant University Committees on progress, developments, and
performance against external benchmarked metrics with respect to the
employability agenda. Hold lead responsibility for the timely and accurate
submission of data returns to external bodies.
14. Lead the development and implementation of the Alumni Strategy to support
recent graduates to secure employment and to develop mutually beneficial
relationships with alumni.
15. Participate in or lead a range of cross-University and wider University Group
committees and working groups, including the Access and Participation
Steering Group.
Note:
This is a description of the position requirements as it is presently constituted. It is the
University’s practice to periodically review job descriptions to ensure that they
accurately reflect the position requirements to be performed and, if necessary, update
to incorporate changes where appropriate. The review process will be conducted by
the relevant manager in consultation with the post holder.
Please note that this appointment is subject to Disclosure and Barring (DBS)
Clearance.
10. Lead on the review and embedding of graduate outcomes data across the
University, informing the development of services and interventions that are
most effective in developing employability skills sought by employers, and in
preparing a diverse student community for graduate level employment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Skills / Knowledge
Essential
challenges and trends.
relationships with employers to achieve tangible graduate outcomes through
work experience, industry insight, recruitment advice and job opportunities.
strategic level both within and beyond the University.
with key stakeholders.
communication skills.
to align business development strategies and solutions with the delivery of an
outstanding student experience.
and constantly evolving environment.
Desirable
related to employability.
Experience
Essential
employability in a large, complex organisation.
sector in a senior leadership role.
to inform decision making.
recruiting, developing, training, appraising and motivating staff).
plans/initiatives.
Personal Qualities
ability to trial new approaches that best equip our students to achieve the
employment outcomes they deserve as graduates.
deadline and an ability to prioritise effectively.
ordinate effective internal and external networks.
abreast of advances in recruitment practices.
Other
based at any of the Group’s locations.
Act, Bribery Act, UKVI requirements and Health and Safety within the work
environment.
University.
vulnerable adults.
to work remotely if required by the University.
Terms and conditions of the appointment
The post is open-ended and reports to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Transformation).
Salary:
Competitive circa £65-80k (possibly more for exceptional candidate, depending on
skills, knowledge and experience).
Pension:
Membership of an excellent contributory career average pension scheme – the Greater
Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) – with employer contributions of 23.2%. If you are
already a current member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) you can
remain in that scheme if you wish.
Holidays:
Generous annual leave entitlement – 33 days plus bank holidays
Working hours:
The notional working hours for colleagues employed at the University are 36.5 hours
per week. The post holder will be required to work as many hours as are reasonably
necessary to fulfil the requirements of the role. Therefore, the successful candidate
would be required to agree to waive the 48-hour week limit set out in the Working Time
Regulations 1998.
Place of work:
The principal place of work will be based on the University of Bolton’s campus. As part
of your duties, you will be required to travel within the United Kingdom and may be
required to travel overseas. Such travel may include attendance at conferences,
seminars or meetings.
Relocation expenses:
As part of your Contract of Employment you should live within reasonable travelling
time/distance of the University to fulfil the requirements of the role. Relocation
expenses will be made available to the right candidate.
Living in Bolton:
More information on living and working in Bolton can be found at
http://www.bolton.co.uk/
Health check:
Confirmation of appointment to the post will be subject to a satisfactory health check.
References:
Confirmation of appointment is subject to the receipt of three satisfactory references.
Notice:
3 months from/to the University to expire at the end of a term.
Employee Benefits
Bolton One Stay fit and healthy at our £31 million on -site leisure centre with fitness
suite, 25m swimming pool, sports hall, climbing wall and a great range of classes. It
also hosts a sports and spinal injury clinic and athlete development centre open to all
abilities.
University staff enjoy:
Cafe culture
The Bistro, the sandwich bar and the Deane deli all serve hot and cold food from
breakfast to early evening. There is also an onsite newsagent and cash machine.
Cycle scheme
Save on the cost of a new bicycle and safety equipment. The scheme allows you to
save income tax and national insurance contributions, as the value of the vouchers is
taken out of your salary before tax.
Season ticket loan
Interest-free local to buy discounted annual rail season ticket
UoB benefits
UOB Employee Benefits gives employees access to a great range of discounts on:
travel bookings, high street vouchers, gift cards, cinema tickets, days out, leisure
activities and your day to day spending.
Flexible working
You will find that the University is supportive and flexible in helping you juggle jobs
and everyday living, although we do not operate a formal flexitime scheme. You can
request flexible working if you have 26 weeks’ service or more.
Health and wellbeing
In addition to Bolton One, we also offer:
Free eye tests for all staff using computers
Discounted private medical insurance plans via AXA PPP Healthcare Ltd
A free 24-hour, confidential staff helpline for counselling, advice and support
Discounted assessment and treatment from the Sports and Spinal Injury Clinic
Other leave
Paid adoption leave, maternity leave and paternity leave
Annual shutdown over the Christmas and New Year period
Flexible leave for emergencies and compassionate leave
Library membership
Staff have full access to the Peter Marsh library including our iMacs, touchscreen PCs
or laptops in our self-service Tech Zone. There’s free wireless network access on
campus and around town – just pick up a voucher from the library.
Location The University is just 10 minutes’ walk from Bolton town centre and the
famous Bolton Market, three supermarkets and a retail park. We’re also 10 minutes
walk from the railway station with direct links to Manchester and Manchester Airport
and 10 minutes from Bolton bus station with local links.
Personal development
We offer a comprehensive induction to welcome you to the University and a range of
staff development courses and access to the Mentoring Academy. Paid study leave
may be available.
Religious worship
Our multi-faith Chaplaincy supports the spiritual life of the whole University community,
celebrating festivals and notable dates. We have a multi-faith prayer room and prayer
preparation facilities.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
The University is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all of its endeavours
and aims to provide a work, learning and teaching environment free for discrimination
and unfair treatment. This commitment is set out in the University Equality & Diversity
Policy.
Working in Bolton
Bolton is one of the UK’s most vibrant, friendly towns and the University of Bolton
campus is right at the heart of it.
Bolton has lots to offer, from history and heritage to countryside and culture. Home to
art galleries, cinemas, music and sports venues, the nationally acclaimed Octagon
Theatre (renowned as one of the best provincial theatres in England) and museums
including Bolton Museum, which has the finest collection of Egyptian artefacts on this
side of London. There is also an award-winning local produce market and the North
West’s biggest food and drink festival, as well as one of the oldest pubs in Britain. The
Marketplace and The Vaults, and Bolton’s out-of-town shopping experience
Middlebrook Retail and Leisure Park, provide further opportunities to explore.
Behind the town hall is the famous Le Mans Crescent which was named after Bolton’s
twinned town of Le Mans in France, the home of endurance motor-racing. Bolton is
also home to the University of Bolton Stadium (home of Bolton Wanderers Football
Club) along with numerous sporting facilities. The Ironman contest is also held from
the town and surrounding area every July. The Bolton Arena, one of the many sports
centres in the area, hosted badminton and mountain biking events in 2002’s
Commonwealth Games displaying the town’s ability to rise to the occasion and host
world class sport. We have produced some of the brightest athletics talent in the
country; Stuart Stokes the Steeplechaser, Amy Spencer the sprinter, Jason Kenny the
top cyclist and Tom Lancashire the middle-distance runner have all represented
England. The world champion boxer, Amir Khan is also from Bolton and is one of the
University’s Honorary Doctors.
Furthermore, just 17 minutes by train from Bolton is Manchester; one of the UK’s most
multicultural and lively cities. Here you can find even more culture, attractions and
vibrant nightlife.
We also have the advantage of being surrounded by stunning scenery. The West
Pennine moors area is only 2.5 miles from campus and offers some of the North of
England’s most beautiful countryside with lakes and reservoirs, historic ruins and
ancient sites.
International travel could not be simpler. Bolton enjoys a direct train link to Manchester
Airport – the busiest UK airport outside of London. So, whether it’s returning home or
onward travel, being at Bolton will mean you always feel connected.
Appointment Process and How to Apply
The Director of Jobs for Students will be appointed by a University Selection
Committee. The University of Bolton will be advised and assisted by the University’s
executive search partners Perrett Laver.
Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae detailing career and
achievements, as well as a covering letter of no more than three pages addressing
your motivation for the role and person specification.
Candidates should also complete and submit the equal opportunities monitoring form
provided when applying. The information on the form will be treated as confidential
and used for statistical purposes only.
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed Omar Begg at
[email protected] or via 0207 340 6200.
The deadline for applications for this post is midnight BST on Monday 11th October
2021 and applications should be uploaded at
https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 5271.
Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take
this responsibility very seriously. Any information obtained by our trading divisions is
held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation. The
data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerised database and
transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or
considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in.
As defined under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Perrett Laver is a
Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your
personal data is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing
your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach
to Data Protection and Privacy, please visit our website.
Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact
Clare Fickling [email protected] If you have comments that would
support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more
generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected]
8-10 Great George Street
London
SW1P 3AE
UK
T: +44 (0)20 7340 6200
F: +44 (0)20 7340 6201
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