Assistant Examinations Manager

Durham University; North East; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in North East England is seeking an Assistant Examinations Manager to oversee exam processes. Responsibilities include managing the recording of assessment marks, producing progression outcomes, and supervising invigilators. The ideal candidate will have a degree or equivalent experience, along with strong communication and organizational skills. The role offers a competitive salary and generous benefits including 27 days annual leave and a pension scheme. Join a vibrant community committed to excellence in education.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Health and wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Discounted membership for gym facilities

Qualifications

• Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of administrative services.
• Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
• Experience of supervising/managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage the process of recording assessment marks.
• Oversee the production and publication of progression outcomes.
• Recruit, train, and schedule invigilators for University exams.

Skills

Excellent spoken and written communication skills

Strong digital competence across Microsoft 365 applications

Ability to solve problems and plan appropriate solutions

Excellent attention to detail

Experience of using Microsoft Access

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.

We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail]

Job Number:

25001852

Student and Academic Services Directorate

Open-Ended/Permanent - Full Time

Closing Date

26-Jan-2026, 11:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page.

The Role and the Department

The Examinations and Assessment Team oversee the planning, scheduling and administration of centrally run exams and the publication of results. The Examination and Assessment Team is one of six teams that sit within the central Student Registry office.

The Assistant Examinations Manager is responsible for managing the process of recording assessment marks in the central student records system by departmental staff, managing the production and publication of progression outcomes to all students, managing the recruitment, training, scheduling and payment of invigilators for University exams, and proactively identifying potential improvements to processes and systems in order to increase efficiency, both within the Exams Team and at University level.

Student Registry is part of the Student and Academic Services Directorate. The directorate provides a professional administrative support service to staff, students and potential students of Durham University.

Academic Registrar

The Academic Registrar is the head of the directorate and is responsible to the Chief Operating Officer for its management. The following services fall under the remit of the Student and Academic Services Directorate:

• Academic Registrar’s Office
• Curriculum, Learning and Assessment
• Student Immigration and Funding
• Student Recruitment and Admissions

All of the services are based on the Mountjoy site in Durham City.

The Student and Academic Services Directorate operates a hybrid working model with the opportunity to split working at home and in the Student Registry office, which is in the Palatine Centre, South Road, Durham.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• 27 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• We provide ample parking across campus, a cycle-to-work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies, and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.
• We provide a comprehensive range of professional development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.
• Wide-ranging health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership for our state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• An on‑site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted and holiday camps for children aged 5‑16.
• Generous family‑friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, beyond many employers.
• Opportunities to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.
• Various salary‑sacrifice schemes to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest‑free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under‑represented in our workforce including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. We are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process and will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so. Where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply (Person Specification)

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.

Qualifications/Experience

1. Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
2. Experience and expertise in the development and delivery of administrative services.
3. Experience of providing advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues.
4. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.
5. Experience of supervising/managing a team and/or a line management qualification.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

1. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.
2. Strong digital competence across a range of digital devices and apps including Microsoft 365 applications and web‑based applications.
3. Committed to continuing professional development.
4. Ability to plan and organise events and activities involving the service.
5. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.
6. Excellent attention to detail and an ability to maintain accuracy whilst working under pressure.
7. Ability to collaborate with colleagues and participate in networks to share and discuss good practice and exchange information.
8. Experience of using Microsoft Access.
9. Working knowledge of a corporate IT system.
10. Experience of working in Higher Education.

How to apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence. Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the short‑listing stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e‑recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

What you are required to submit

• A CV
• A covering letter including a skills matrix which shows examples of how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.

Contact details

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Peter Laskey ([e-mail]) would be happy to speak to you.

Typical Role Requirements

Service Delivery

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and the University’s values.
• Ensure that any procedures and expectations that apply throughout the University are reflected in all aspects of the service provided by the Examinations and Assessment team and adapt ways of working where this is not evident.
• Check and authorise the publication of student results, ensuring that these accurately reflect boards of examiners decisions and adhere to University regulations.
• Provide specialist advice and resolve problems relating to University examinations, assessments and awards.
• Use your experience and problem‑solving skills to investigate and resolve issues relating to examinations, assessments and awards and make recommendations based on your findings.
• Provide the best possible service to University students and staff by reviewing and making suggestions to improve the service.
• Collect and record data and information accurately and provide reports to senior colleagues.
• Implement any changes or processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data and information.

Planning and Organisation

• Plan and organise operational activities carried out by the Student Registry office which you are responsible for.
• Supervisory responsibilities for approximately 150 casual staff working as University Invigilators.

Team Development

• Supervise team members and any other people/resources that are assigned to you and provide an initial response to any related HR issues.
• Explain systems and procedures to induct new starters into the team and provide specialist advice and guidance including any training.
• Contribute to performance review processes by providing feedback on individual and team objectives and expectations and considering any development needs.
• Develop and improve services by taking part in meetings, working groups and committees.
• Create good working relationships, including internal and external networks which allow you to increase your knowledge and skills, while swapping information with peers.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to share good practice, exchange information and work together on joint initiatives.
• Any other reasonable duties.

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices – Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on [e-mail].