Job Description

Head of Partnerships

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The Head of Partnerships will lead on the strategic development and shaping of our high-quality, strategic transnational educational partnerships to build capacity and contribute to the wellbeing of individuals, economies and societies globally, extending our impact, reach and reputation. This role will also lead on the development and shaping of partnerships in FE and Degree Apprenticeships that will further enhance our local impact and engagement. As a senior member of the Global Engagement Directorate the post-holder will effectively lead on the commercial and strategic development and management of the University's broad educational partnerships portfolio.


The role will lead the Partnerships Team within the Global Engagement Directorate and be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of the strategy, business development and operations across the current TNE, FE and Degree Apprenticeships provision. Responsible for the University's partner engagement activity, this post will build positive working relationships with Cardiff Met colleagues leading on the quality and academic aspects of TNE, FE and Degree Apprenticeships to ensure an efficient and productive interface for the University's educational partners.

What you'll be doing:

Leading on the identification and negotiation of TNE, FE and other educational partnership business development opportunities that help shape a high quality, multi-faceted strategic partnership network in accordance with Strategy 2030 and Cardiff Met's core values; developing robust and commercially viable business plans, comprehensive due diligence reports and progressing proposals through the relevant approval processes. Leading on the development, coordination and implementation of the TNE, FE and Degree Apprenticeships delivery plan, effectively mobilising resources, monitoring practice and employing strategies and tactics required to meet or exceed the associated KPIs. Leading on the development and delivery of the Partnership Engagement Strategy to ensure the maintenance of effective partnership collaborations leading to increased levels of student engagement and satisfaction, student and staff mobility; research links; innovation projects and capacity building between Cardiff Met and its partnership network. Leading and manage the team responsible for the end-to-end delivery of TNE, FE and Degree Apprenticeships business and operations, to ensure they run effectively, efficiently, generate income and comply with local, national and international regulatory and legislative requirements. Driving growth and diversification through the University's educational partnerships portfolio ensuring that senior staff and committees are briefed in-cycle on innovation or adjustments required to respond to business development opportunities or threats as they emerge. Leading on external issues affecting demand for Cardiff Met's FE and Degree Apprenticeships provision locally, and TNE provision globally, such as changes in government policy or regulation, country demographics, partner circumstances and competitor behaviour; making appropriate and timely recommendations to the Director of Global Engagement and relevant senior executive colleagues.

What you'll bring:

Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience. Experience of working in UK Higher Education and in the international Higher Education environment, with exceptional understanding of the current challenges and opportunities within TNE and FE partnership development and Degree Apprenticeships provision. Understanding and experience of leading successful TNE and other university educational partnership operations compliantly through varying regulatory landscapes across different global markets and regions. Proven experience of identifying, negotiating and delivering commercial business opportunities in educational partnerships in a UK higher education setting. Excellent leadership and management skills, with significant experience of communicating at a strategic level within and beyond the University, negotiating and influencing challenging organisational and people issues Experience of managing a team and resources, and the ability to develop effective team working culture, deliver strategic and operational functions, inspire excellent performance and meet complex organisational goals. Demonstrably excellent levels of international and intercultural understanding. Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively engage both internal and external stakeholders, both locally and internationally.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.


We offer excellent benefits such as:

Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days. Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions. Excellent family friendly policies - take a look on our Policy Hub page. Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities. Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership. Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact Us

For more information about the role please contact Anna Dukes on adukes@cardiffmet.ac.uk.


All applications must be submitted online.


The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our

Application Guidance

page.

Further details:

Swydd Ddisgrifiad





Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.


Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.


Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.


All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.


The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.

Why Work Here?

We invite you to join our collaborative community!


Dating back to 1865, we remain rooted in Wales with a global reach, offering you a world of opportunity. Our education, research and innovation deliver positive impact for equality, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, locally, nationally and internationally.

Are you ready to contribute to something remarkable?

Join us in helping us to progress and deliver real change.

Job Details

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School/Unit

Global Engagement

Location

Llandaff Campus

Salary

62,728 to 70,579 per annum


Permanent

Post Type

Full Time

Closing Date

Friday 03 October 2025

Interview Date

Monday 13 October 2025

Reference

4066