Academic Operations Manager

CLAN Language Schools; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading language education provider in Edinburgh is seeking an Academic Operations Manager. This role involves overseeing academic quality and ensuring compliance with British Council standards. The ideal candidate has a DELTA or Master's in TESOL, a minimum of 5 years TEFL experience, and strong academic leadership abilities. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to top-tier English language programmes for international students.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ TEFL experience, including at least 2 years in management.
• Strong understanding of British Council accreditation requirements.
• Valid Enhanced PVG check (to be obtained through CLAN, if not already held).

Responsibilities

• Oversee academic operation provision, ensuring excellence and consistency.
• Lead teacher recruitment, induction, training, and observation cycles.
• Ensure compliance with British Council accreditation standards.

Skills

TEFL experience

Understanding of British Council accreditation requirements

Academic leadership

Education

DELTA, DipTESOL, or Master’s in TESOL/Applied Linguistics

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an Academic Operations Manager (AOM) to oversee academic quality and ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning in line with British Council requirements.

The successful candidate will oversee the operational management for academic functions, from recruitment, training, and syllabus delivery to safeguarding and teachers’ performance review.

At CLAN Language Schools, we are dedicated to crafting unique educational experiences that inspire learners and empower teachers. With years of expertise in English language education, our mission is to provide stepping stones to a bright future for learners worldwide, with safeguarding and academic excellence at the heart of everything we do.

Operating in one of the UK’s most inspiring locations, Edinburgh, CLAN delivers top‑tier English language programmes for international students, supported by a diverse team of talented educators.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the academic operation provision, ensuring excellence and consistency in delivery
• Supervise learner placement, timetabling, and syllabus implementation
• Lead teacher recruitment, induction, training, and observation cycles to secure pedagogical quality
• Ensure compliance with British Council accreditation standards and safeguarding policies
• Coordinate academic scheduling, resources, and staffing
• 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
• Represent CLAN at field‑related events (e.g., IATEFL, TESOL, etc.)

Must Have

• DELTA, DipTESOL, or Master’s in TESOL/Applied Linguistics
• 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 management within an accredited language school
• Strong understanding of British Council accreditation requirements

Nice to Have

• 7+ years’ combined experience in ELT and academic leadership within multi‑site or year‑round operations
• Familiarity with interactive materials and digital learning
• Budgeting and resource management experience within an academic setting
• Teacher training experience