Head of Admissions

University-of-Salford; Salford; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

32 days leave + holidays

Flexible working

Excellent pension scheme

Job summary

The University of Salford is seeking a dynamic Head of Admissions to provide strategic and operational leadership for its admissions service, processing over 60,000 applications annually across undergraduate, postgraduate, research and degree apprenticeship programmes. You will shape the applicant experience, drive innovation, and collaborate with senior teams to support growth and widening participation.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing, Student Recruitment and Admissions, you will lead a

Qualifications

• Significant leadership and people management experience.
• Strong knowledge of admissions policy, regulation and sector developments.
• Experience of leading large-scale operational services and managing performance through data and insight.
• A track record of delivering change, improving processes and enhancing customer experience.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to think strategically while delivering operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University's admissions service, ensuring it supports recruitment targets, student growth and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership for key admissions activities, including Confirmation and Clearing, while responding to changes in policy, regulation and the wider sector.
• Ensure the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused admissions service that provides an excellent applicant experience.
• Act as the University's lead expert on admissions, building effective relationships with Faculties, professional services teams, UCAS and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement through the development of systems, processes and data-informed decision-making.
• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and innovative culture.
• Contribute to the wider leadership and strategic direction of the Marketing, Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate and deputise for the Director when required.

Skills

Leadership

Admissions policy

Operations management

Change management

Communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the University's most critical professional services functions at a time of significant transformation and growth.

As Head of Admissions, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the University's admissions service, ensuring admissions policies, processes and systems support the University's ambitions for growth, widening participation and an outstanding applicant experience. Leading a large team responsible for processing more than 60,000 applications annually across undergraduate, postgraduate, research and degree apprenticeship programmes, you will play a central role in shaping the future student community at the University of Salford.

Working closely with senior leaders, academic colleagues and professional service teams, you will drive innovation, continuous improvement and excellent customer service across the applicant journey, from application through to registration.

About the Department

The Marketing, Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate brings together admissions, applicant experience, student recruitment, widening participation, marketing and digital content expertise into a single, integrated function.

This collaborative approach ensures prospective students receive an exceptional experience while supporting the University's strategic objectives, reputation and recruitment ambitions. The Admissions team is at the heart of this mission, balancing operational excellence, regulatory compliance and customer-focused service delivery.

The University is committed to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds and has ambitious plans for both UK and international student growth. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development and flexible ways of working where business needs allow.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the University's admissions service, ensuring it supports recruitment targets, student growth and strategic priorities.

• Provide leadership for key admissions activities, including Confirmation and Clearing, while responding to changes in policy, regulation and the wider sector.

• Ensure the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused admissions service that provides an excellent applicant experience.

• Act as the University's lead expert on admissions, building effective relationships with Faculties, professional services teams, UCAS and external stakeholders.

• Drive continuous improvement through the development of systems, processes and data-informed decision-making.

• Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and innovative culture.

• Contribute to the wider leadership and strategic direction of the Marketing, Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate and deputise for the Director when required.

What We're Looking For

You will be an experienced leader with a strong understanding of admissions, student recruitment or related higher education services. You will bring:

• Significant leadership and people management experience.

• Strong knowledge of admissions policy, regulation and sector developments.

• Experience of leading large-scale operational services and managing performance through data and insight.

• A track record of delivering change, improving processes and enhancing customer experience.

• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

• The ability to think strategically while delivering operational excellence.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the University's future by leading a service that plays a critical role in student recruitment and success. You'll join an ambitious leadership team committed to innovation, collaboration and delivering an exceptional experience for every applicant.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary - and excellent pension scheme

• An impressive 32 days leave - plus bank holidays, additional time off at Christmas and the opportunity to buy even more!

• Flexible working - we support a culture of flexible and agile working to help you find the right balance

• Our community - there's a real sense of belonging here at Salford. We value diversity, in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students' lives

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 17th November 2026

Note this advert may close early based on applicant numbers.

JOB DESCRIPTION