Academic Manager

About the role

Watney College is an independent education provider in East London. We are seeking a Academic Manager to support our Head of Academic to lead teaching, learning and assessment across our programmes and support the development of our higher education provision.

You will manage academic delivery, support teaching staff and ensure students receive a consistent, well-supported learning experience. Working with the Head of Academic, you will address areas for improvement and prepare programmes for external review.

Key responsibilities

• Lead academic delivery, curriculum planning and programme development.
• Manage programme leaders and teaching staff, setting objectives and reviewing performance.
• Plan timetables, teaching allocations and resource requirements.
• Ensure programmes meet awarding-body specifications and relevant UK higher education standards.
• Oversee assessment planning, marking, feedback, moderation and academic integrity.
• Monitor attendance, engagement, retention, achievement and progression, and lead improvement actions.
• Coordinate teaching observations, staff development and sharing of effective practice.
• Oversee academic support, including personal tutoring and reasonable adjustments.
• Lead academic preparations for new programme approvals and confirm readiness before delivery.
• Work with the Quality Assurance department on programme reviews, external assessments and action plans.
• Support assessment boards and academic committees, ensuring decisions are documented and followed through.
• Maintain working relationships with awarding bodies, academic partners and external reviewers.
• Report academic performance, staffing needs and delivery risks to the Principal.

Essential criteria

• Experience leading academic provision within UK higher education.
• Experience managing academic staff and improving teaching, assessment and student outcomes.
• Sound knowledge of academic standards, qualification frameworks and assessment practices.
• Experience developing or reviewing programmes and supporting external academic scrutiny.
• Understanding of the OfS regulatory framework and its implications for academic delivery.
• Ability to analyse student data and feedback and turn findings into practical improvements.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to academic integrity, inclusive teaching and fair treatment of students.

Desirable criteria

• A recognised teaching qualification or Advance HE Fellowship.
• Experience working with awarding bodies or university partners.
• Experience developing higher education provision within a growing institution.
• Experience chairing academic committees or assessment boards.

How to apply

Send your CV and a supporting statement to [email protected], quoting Academic Manager.

Start date: By agreement

Watney College welcomes applications from all backgrounds. For recruitment adjustments, contact [email protected].

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, right-to-work checks and any other checks appropriate to the role.

Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in London E1