Head of Student Recruitment

SRUC - Scotland's Rural College; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in Scotland is seeking a Head of Recruitment to shape and implement a data-driven student recruitment strategy. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in UK higher education and demonstrated leadership skills to drive targeted campaigns and improve conversion rates. This role offers hybrid working solutions and a supportive environment focused on professional growth.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Flexible working patterns

Hybrid working solutions

Qualifications

• Significant experience in UK higher education student recruitment.
• Proven ability to develop strategic recruitment plans across organisations.
• Experience in budget management and delivering value.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic and operational management of UK student recruitment.
• Oversee design and delivery of targeted campaigns and events.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to meet institutional priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

SCQF Level 10 or equivalent

Master's degree or equivalent

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 individuals' learning and development

How to Apply:

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