Job Description

Job Summary

UKGuardianship (UKG) provides guardianship and education services to international students across the UK. We believe guardianship is more than just a service and see it as a lifeline for international students far from home.

We do more than sticking to policies and following procedures; it's about empathy, quick action and being the safety net when things go wrong.

UKG is an award-winning, AEGIS Gold accredited and BSA certified guardianship company. We are a team of friendly and dedicated professionals committed to delivering high-quality support, with a strong focus on safeguarding and wellbeing. The majority of our students are under 18.

We are currently looking for a

Head of Services & Business Development

. This role manages the day-to-day delivery of UKG's Guardianship services while driving growth through a strong focus on sales, partnerships and service excellence. The role combines operational leadership with commercial development, ensuring outstanding care for every student alongside the growth of UKG's B2B relationships with schools, agents and education partners.

Acting as the central link between the Office Operations & Administration and Client Relations & Partnerships teams, the postholder oversees the practical delivery of services and represents UKG externally - promoting our offering, identifying new opportunities and converting leads into lasting partnerships.

This is a hands-on, mobile leadership role requiring both commercial acumen and operational expertise. The successful candidate will pair a sales-driven mindset with a commitment to exceptional student care, expanding UKG's reach and reputation through quality, responsiveness and trusted relationships.

Flexible and proactive, the role involves UK-wide travel and the ability to respond to student welfare or operational needs at short notice - ideal for a confident, relationship-focused professional who thrives on combining business growth with meaningful impact.

We currently operate a hybrid-working model (minimum one day in the office a week).

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership and Coordination

Oversee the day-to-day delivery of UKG's Guardianship services, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration across departments. Monitor service standards and ensure all operational activity aligns with UKG's quality expectations, AEGIS accreditation, and safeguarding policies. Provide oversight and direction for key student welfare cases, placements and logistics, ensuring effective handovers between teams. Work closely with the Head of Client Relations & Partnerships to identify business growth opportunities, drive sales leads and develop partnerships with schools, universities, and agents. Work closely with the Head of Office Operations & Administration to streamline and improve service delivery processes while enhancing the quality of our service provision
Sales, Business Development & Partnerships

Identify new business opportunities through service delivery insight, referrals and industry engagement. Represent UKG at schools, conferences and sector events, acting as a knowledgeable and credible ambassador for the company. Use service feedback and trend data to inform product development, pricing strategies and commercial decision-making. Support the conversion of leads by demonstrating UKG's quality, reliability and value to prospective partners. Contribute actively to UKG's B2B growth strategy through working closely with the Head of Office Operations & Administration on developing UKG's custom guardianship CRM as the industry's off-the-shelf solution. Work closely with the Head of Client Relations & Partnerships to develop partnership proposals, packages and retention strategies.
Welfare Response and Emergency Support

Serve as the senior operational lead for emergency and ad-hoc student welfare situations. Be available and flexible to travel at short notice to schools, homestays, hospitals or other relevant locations across the UK. Act as the first responder for serious or time-sensitive student issues, ensuring compassionate, timely and effective intervention. Coordinate with the Turnkeys, DSLs and External Host Family Coordinators to maintain an effective out-of-hours support system. Demonstrate professionalism, discretion and calm decision-making in challenging or sensitive situations.
Safeguarding and Compliance

Act as one of the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) to uphold safeguarding and child protection standards. Support the delivery of safeguarding training and ensure welfare protocols are followed across the service delivery team. Contribute to audits, incident reviews, and continuous improvement of welfare and safeguarding practices. Working closely with the Head of Office Operations & Administration to ensure compliance with AEGIS accreditation requirements, UKVI regulations and internal safeguarding policies.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Proven experience in education, guardianship and service delivery within a customer-focused or partnership-driven environment. Commercially minded, with the ability to identify, nurture and convert business opportunities. Confident communicator and relationship builder, able to represent the organisation professionally to schools, agents and partners. Demonstrated success contributing to business growth through service quality, retention and partnership engagement. Strong safeguarding and welfare knowledge, with sound judgement and sensitivity when handling student or family issues. Highly organised, adaptable, and able to balance strategic priorities with hands-on operational work. Flexible, mobile and resilient - able to travel and respond to urgent student welfare issues or operational emergencies across the UK at short notice and outside standard hours. Full UK driving licence and access to a car are essential. British Council Education Agent Training completed within the last two years.
Interested candidates should

submit a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role. Shortlisted candidates will undergo interviews and skills assessments.

Note:

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may evolve based on organisational needs.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company events Company pension Free parking On-site parking Referral programme Work from home
Application question(s):

REQUIRED: Do you hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a car for work-related travel? REQUIRED: Are you willing and able to travel at short notice for emergency or ad-hoc student welfare visits? REQUIRED: How do you ensure clear and professional communication when dealing with clients or families from different cultural backgrounds? REQUIRED: Do you have experience building partnerships or securing new business within the education or guardianship sector?
Experience:

Business development: 3 years (required)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Borehamwood WD6 4PJ