Head of Student Recruitment

SRUC; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist higher education institution in Scotland is seeking a Head of Recruitment. The role involves shaping and delivering a strategic recruitment strategy, leading a team, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. Candidates should have significant experience in UK higher education recruitment and a strong understanding of market trends. This opportunity includes generous benefits and a hybrid working model.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Flexible working patterns

Hybrid working solutions

Tailored investment in learning and development

Qualifications

• Significant experience in UK higher education student recruitment.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic recruitment plans across complex institutions.
• Experience leading and managing recruitment teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the student recruitment strategy.
• Oversee design and delivery of targeted campaigns and events.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to achieve recruitment goals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership presence

Results-driven attitude

Excellent communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Honours degree (SCQF Level 10)

Master’s degree (SCQF Level 11)

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

About The Team:

SRUC - a specialist higher education institution covering research, education & consulting services, focussing on the natural economy is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, with ambitious plans to expand its reach, impact, and student community.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy CEO, the Head of Recruitment will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping and delivering SRUC’s student recruitment strategy. The postholder will lead the development and implementation of a data‑driven, insight‑led approach to recruitment, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and market demands.

This role will drive the strategic and operational management of UK student recruitment, overseeing the design and delivery of targeted campaigns, events, and engagement activities to grow student numbers, improve conversion rates, and support portfolio development. The Head of Recruitment will also foster strong cross‑functional collaboration and lead a high‑performing team to deliver measurable outcomes in a competitive and evolving higher education landscape.

Qualifications and experience required:

Essential

• SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience in UK higher education student recruitment.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic recruitment plans across complex organisations.
• Experience leading and managing teams, with a track record of motivating and developing staff.
• Budget management experience, with evidence of delivering value and impact.
• Strong understanding of the UK higher education landscape, including admissions, widening access, and recruitment trends.
• Experience delivering high-quality recruitment events and communications within a strategic framework.
• Working knowledge of GDPR and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Desirable

• SCQF Level 11 (Master’s degree) or professional qualification in a relevant field.
• Leadership qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience using CRM and admissions systems to support recruitment strategy.
• Knowledge of UK Government policy and sector bodies (e.g. UCAS, HESA, LANTRA).
• Experience in data-driven decision-making and performance analysis.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong leadership presence and commercial awareness.
• Results-driven, with a proactive and resilient approach.
• Confident communicator, able to influence at all levels.
• Collegial and collaborative, with a commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement.

For full details of the responsibilities and requirements of this role, please download and fully read the Job Particulars document before applying.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

This role may meet the eligibility for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route depending on individual circumstances. For non-UK nationals please check your eligibility prior to applying for the role.

Admin ref: CFPS/EXEC/013/25

Why work for SRUC?

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

How to Apply

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

About SRUC

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046