My client, a well-established and growing higher education provider, is seeking to appoint a Head of Operations – Academic to lead academic, quality, and institutional operations during a period of strategic growth. This is a senior leadership role with a clearly defined pathway to Director level, based on performance and impact.ResponsibilitiesProviding values‑led leadership across academic, quality, and institutional operations teams, driving accountability, clarity, and high performanceLeading programme development, validation, and expansion, with a particular focus on Allied Health and postgraduate provision aligned to market demandOverseeing academic governance and quality assurance, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and awarding body requirementsStrengthening institutional operations and student‑facing processes to deliver a consistent, high‑quality learner experienceUsing academic data, learner outcomes, and performance metrics to inform decision‑making and identify opportunities and risksWorking cross‑functionally with Finance, Admissions, Marketing, and Student Services to ensure alignment and shared ownership of academic directionChampioning digital transformation across academic and operational systems to improve efficiency and effectivenessRepresenting the organisation externally at sector forums, conferences, and partner meetingsEmbedding and modelling behaviours that support a collaborative, student‑centred cultureCandidate QualificationsAn experienced academic leader with a strong belief in the transformative power of educationStrategically minded with the operational capability to translate vision into deliveryConfident navigating the Irish higher education landscape, including regulatory and awarding body frameworksA strong communicator with the ability to build trust and credibility across teams and stakeholdersA mentor and people leader who supports teams to achieve high standards and continuous improvementAmbitious, with a clear desire and readiness to progress into a Director‑level roleRequirementsA Master’s degree (essential); Doctorate or senior leadership qualification (desirable)Minimum 5 years’ experience in academic leadership, including programme development and quality assuranceStrong knowledge of the Irish higher education system and compliance environmentExperience within private higher education (desirable)Financial awareness and operational capabilityA proven track record of improving quality, performance, or learner outcomesA structured, values‑led leadership styleBenefitsA senior leadership role with a defined progression route to Director levelOpportunity to shape academic strategy and institutional operations during a period of growthHigh levels of influence and autonomyA collaborative, values‑driven culture with a strong focus on learner impactHybrid workingFor a confidential discussion and more information on the role, please contact Sarra Hadisarra.hadi@collinsmcnicholas.ie090-6478104
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