Associate Director Complex Safeguarding and Risk Student Services

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University seeks an exceptional leader to join Student Services as Associate Director of Student Saf safeguarding and Complex Risk. The role provides institutional leadership for safeguarding, complex student cases and critical incident management, ensuring risks are identified, managed and escalated effectively across the University.

Working with the Director of Student Services and senior colleagues, you will lead the safeguarding framework, support strategic

Qualifications

• Substantial experience of safeguarding, complex risk management and leading services within a large complex organisation and in challenging environments.
• Ability to provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex and sensitive matters.
• Track record of driving improvements in safeguarding, welfare and institutional risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for safeguarding and complex risk management across the University.
• Act as senior operational lead for safeguarding, coordinating high‑risk cases and escalation.
• chair risk panels and direct action where risk thresholds are met, ensuring effective incident response.

Skills

Safeguarding leadership

Strategic leadership

Complex risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Are you an experienced strategic leader with the judgement, credibility and resilience to lead in complex and high-risk environments? Can you provide confident leadership in safeguarding, risk management and critical incident response, while building strong partnerships across a large and diverse organisation?

Student wellbeing, safeguarding and risk management are more important than ever within higher education. Manchester Met is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment where students can thrive, and we are seeking an exceptional leader to help shape and strengthen our approach.

We are looking for an outstanding leader to join Student Services as Associate Director of Student Safeguarding and Complex Risk. This is a significant new role that will provide institutional leadership for safeguarding, complex student cases and critical incident management, ensuring that risk is identified, managed and escalated effectively across the University. Working closely with the Director of Student Services and senior colleagues, you will play a central role in protecting students, enhancing institutionalpractice and driving continuous improvement.

About us

We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together.

About the role

As a key member of the Student Services Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for safeguarding and complex risk management across the University.

You will act as the University's senior operational lead for safeguarding and complex student cases, providing oversight of high-risk situations and ensuring effective coordination between services. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead Officer, you will lead the operational safeguarding framework, drive consistency of practice and provide expert advice to senior leaders on complex and sensitive matters.

• Safeguarding leadership and assurance where you will oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of safeguarding frameworks, provide institutional oversight of safeguarding activity, and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and policy requirements.


• Complex risk and case management where you will lead the oversight and coordination of high-risk student cases, chair risk panels, direct action where risk thresholds are met and ensure appropriate escalation of institutional risks.


• Critical incident response and institutional resilience where you will provide operational leadership during student-related emergencies and critical incidents, coordinate multi-service responses and support the University in managing significant welfare, safety and reputational risks.


• Building strong relationships across the University and with external agencies and partners, influencing strategic decision-making and ensuring a culture of shared responsibility for student safety, safeguarding and wellbeing.

About You

You are an inclusive and highly credible leader with substantial experience of safeguarding, complex risk management and leading services within a large complex organisation and in challenging and sensitive environments. You combine sound professional judgement with the ability to make effective decisions under pressure, navigating complexity with confidence and integrity.

With a successful track record of senior leadership, within a relevant field of expertise, you have extensive experience of managing high-risk and complex cases, leading responses to critical incidents and working effectively with multiple stakeholders and external agencies. You understand the challenges facing higher education and have a strong grasp of safeguarding, welfare, mental health and institutional risk management within the HE environment.

You are skilled at building productive relationships, influencing senior colleagues and providing constructive challenge where required. You can translate strategic priorities into effective operational practice and are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

Analytical and future-focused, you use insight, evidence and professional expertise to identify emerging risks, inform decision-making and improve outcomes for students and the University.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.