Retention Manager - Manchester

TN United Kingdom; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Retention Manager to lead the Student Retention team. This strategic role involves developing and implementing comprehensive programs to enhance student engagement and retention. You will collaborate with academic departments and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment with key performance indicators. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, effective planning abilities, and a commitment to fostering a positive, student-first culture. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a difference in students' academic journeys.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience in student retention or related fields.
• Strong communication skills to engage diverse audiences effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Student Retention team and develop effective engagement strategies.
• Oversee partnerships and ensure compliance with GBS KPIs.

Skills

Communication Skills

Planning and Prioritization

Team Leadership

Microsoft Office

Organizational Skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Job description

ROLE PURPOSE:

The purpose of this role is to lead the Student Retention team supporting our faculties. Your key task will be to develop, manage, and maintain a comprehensive and effective programme for re-engaging students in their studies. This role is strategic in nature, and you will be asked to develop policies and procedures to ensure student engagement and retention. This task will involve working with other stakeholders at GBS, primarily the academic departments, but also external stakeholders and internal support services. As the Retention Manager, you will develop and deliver an integrated and comprehensive Student Retention strategy to ensure compliance and alignment with GBS KPIs. Additionally, the Retention Manager will demonstrate effective line management of the Senior Retention Officers, supporting them in leading their teams and delivering results.

This role is not eligible for sponsorship!

Main Responsibilities

ROLE and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that every retention officer is aware of their roles and responsibilities.
• Oversee partnerships and serve as the key contact with faculties on behalf of the retention team, developing innovative strategies to improve performance in collaboration with faculties.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures relevant to achieving KPIs.
• Ensure strong operational processes and oversight are in place.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure student engagement.
• Monitor new student referrals and ensure timely case handling.
• Work with the Planning, Information, and Delivery team to prepare data for senior management and academic deans regarding student retention and progression.
• Manage, develop, and review the performance of staff within the section.
• Provide an annual review of student retention services, highlighting their impact on student progression and course completion.
• Promote a positive, student-first culture with high ownership of student issues.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL SKILLS and EXPERIENCE:

• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for diverse audiences in an inclusive manner.
• Effective planning and prioritization skills to achieve objectives.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with students.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel; knowledge of Power BI is a plus.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Experience in building and leading high-performing teams.
• Ability to work independently and proactively within organizational goals.

Other Information

OTHER INFORMATION:

• The Retention Manager is expected to demonstrate commitment to GBS values, regulations, and policies, including equal opportunities.
• Contribute to GBS's social, economic, and environmental responsibilities and minimize environmental impact, actively supporting GBS’s Environmental Policy.
• Ensure health and safety responsibilities are met to maintain a safe working environment for staff, students, and visitors.