Job Description

CLAN Language Schools

Job Title: Academic Operations Manager

Department: Academic

Line Management of: Teaching Staff, Assistant Directors of Studies

Location: Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

1. Purpose of the Role

The Academic Operations Manager (AOM) is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of academic quality, teaching excellence, and operational efficiency across CLAN Language Schools.

The role combines academic leadership, quality assurance, and staff management to ensure that all programmes meet the requirements of British Council Accreditation UK, internal safeguarding policies, and the school's educational mission.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Academic Leadership & Quality Assurance

-Oversee academic delivery across all programmes, ensuring consistent quality and learner satisfaction

-Implement and monitor syllabus design, assessment systems, and learner progress tracking

-Lead on British Council compliance, preparing documentation for inspection as required

-Conduct regular lesson observations, feedback sessions, and performance appraisals to promote teaching excellence

-Analyse learner feedback, course data, and academic performance to drive continuous improvement

- Create or adapt in-house materials to support specific course needs (e.g. local content, short courses, ESP modules)

- Maintain classroom presence to stay connected with teaching practice and model effective methodology

2.2 Operational Management

-Manage timetabling, class allocation, and teacher scheduling

-Oversee placement testing, academic record-keeping, and reporting systems

-Liaise with Admissions, Operations, Sales and Marketing to ensure smooth coordination between departments

-Monitor academic budgets and secure adequate learning resources and digital tools

2.3 Staff Recruitment & Development

-Lead recruitment and induction of new teaching staff

-Deliver continuous professional development (CPD) sessions

-Support staff welfare, engagement, and retention through effective mentoring and leadership

2.4 Compliance, Safeguarding & Welfare

-Ensure all teaching staff are aware of and comply with CLAN safeguarding policies and procedures

-Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to uphold child protection and welfare standards, representing the Deputy DSL (DDSL) function

-Maintain accurate records of staff qualifications in accordance with CLAN's own and regulatory policies

-Ensure all academic policies, procedures, and records meet Accreditation UK requirements

2.5 Strategic Contribution & Communication

-Report on academic delivery and performance

-Represent CLAN at field-related events (e.g., IATEFL, TESOL, etc.)

-Foster open communication, collaboration, and a culture of professional excellence

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

-Learner satisfaction and retention rates

-Inspection and accreditation outcomes

-Teacher performance and development progress

-Efficiency and accuracy of academic scheduling and records

-Evidence of innovation and continuous improvement

4. Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

-TEFLQ: DELTA, DipTESOL, or MA in TESOL / Applied Linguistics (or equivalent).

-Right to work in the UK

-Valid Enhanced PVG check (to be obtained through CLAN, if not already held)

- Minimum 5 years' TEFL experience, including at least 2 years in academic management within an accredited language school

-Strong understanding of British Council or EAQUALS accreditation requirements

-Ability to lead teams and coordinate academic operations

-Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and leadership skills

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

-7+ years' combined experience in ELT and academic leadership within
multi-site or year-round operations

-Experience managing multi-site or seasonal academic operations

-Familiarity with Express Publishing materials and digital learning

-Budgeting and resource management experience within an academic setting

5. Personal Attributes

-Collaborative and supportive leadership style

-Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion

-Analytical, solutions-focused, and proactive under pressure

-Passionate about teacher and learner development

-High standards of professionalism and integrity

6. Safeguarding Statement

CLAN Language Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All staff must share this commitment and undergo appropriate pre-employment checks, including Enhanced PVG clearance and verification of identity and right to work.

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to commute/relocate:

Edinburgh EH1 2AS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

Do you have any unspent convictions?
Licence/Certification:

DELTA/DipTESOL/MA in TEFL (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person