Senior Manager, Academic Quality

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Putrajaya; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Putrajaya seeks a Manager/Senior Manager for Academic Quality. The role involves overseeing compliance with educational standards, managing audits, and ensuring quality assurance across all programs. Candidates should possess at least a degree, preferably a master's, along with strong management skills and a minimum of five years of relevant experience. The position requires effective communication and organizational skills, focusing on continuous quality improvement and strong team leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of relevant experience in academic quality or regulatory compliance.
• Strong management skills with ability to lead a team.
• Effective computer skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance services.
• Ensure University procedures meet external regulatory requirements.
• Manage internal and external academic audits.

Skills

Management skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree or equivalent

Masters

Job description

Manager/Senior Manager, Academic Quality

The Registry and Academic Support (RAS) provides core administrative services (student enrolments, registrations, payments, records, exams, and graduation) and direct student support (wellbeing, careers service, international student support, and learning resources) to enhance student welfare and holistic success. Academic Quality and Regulatory Compliance is a core function of RAS, ensuring adherence to local laws and regulations governed by MOHE and MQA, including approvals, accreditations, and internal policies that support quality, ethics, and student welfare—especially for international students. RAS has three main divisions: Academic Quality, Academic Operations, and Student Life.

The Manager/Senior Manager, Academic Quality and Regulatory Compliance provides expert professional advice to internal and external stakeholders and managerial support for the University’s compliance monitoring and academic quality cycle through the design, implementation, and evaluation of processes, policies, and regulations. A strong understanding of the MOHE and MQA frameworks, as well as University policies and procedures, is essential. This role ensures campus compliance with all regulatory and professional requirements.

The post holder will manage a portfolio of policies and procedures related to regulatory compliance, academic quality, and enhancement, including: institutional license approvals and renewals; programme approvals and reviews; quality assurance cycle; academic quality and standards; and enhancement projects. The role collaborates with global Academic Quality teams to ensure consistent practice across HWU campuses and compliance with MOHE and MQA frameworks, policies, and procedures.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Take a lead role in the professional support for and operation of the Malaysia campus’s Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance services.
• Ensure that University procedures, policies, regulations and supporting documentation meet MOHE, MQA and other relevant external requirements (including statutory, regulatory and professional bodies).
• Monitor and review institutional and programme approvals, accreditations and reporting status; ensure the campus is properly registered with regulatory agencies and/or professional bodies; take appropriate actions or recommend improvements when necessary.
• Manage internal and external academic audits and quality assurance activities for the campus; ensure all documentation meets requirements.
• Coordinate and support academic schools and professional services departments in the management and submission of institutional records related to external approvals, accreditations, and other regulatory requirements (data gathering, regular reporting, and institutional ranking/rating exercises).
• Consider and respond to the requirements of authorities, quality assurance agencies and professional bodies (MOHE, MQA, BQSM, BEM) while considering the needs of the University.
• Ensure appropriate approvals and dissemination of revised procedures, policies and regulations; provide specialist advice to staff and students and conduct staff training related to programme/course approval and review processes.
• Act as a strategic partner for academic schools and professional services departments, applying professional knowledge to provide effective support, advice and guidance in quality matters while maintaining compliance.
• Build professional relationships and maintain links with local authorities, professional agencies, academic leaders, and other relevant staff at the University.
• Lead projects related to the unit’s work, including business process improvement activities to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory and statutory responsibilities.
• Plan and manage budgets and resources, investigate variances, implement solutions, and provide progress reports on activities and resource use.
• Prepare and present reports and briefing papers; gather, update, and evaluate management information, identify solutions, and make recommendations.
• Maintain effective document management for active records, archives, and data protection, ensuring security and confidentiality.
• Support internal reviews, statutory cycles, and professional body events; represent Academic Quality at University committees, projects, and external networks as appropriate.
• Manage a team, perform line management and appraisal of staff within the unit, and mentor and develop staff to enhance performance and career growth.
• Deputise for the Head of Registry and Academic Support and other senior RAS members as needed and undertake other duties commensurate with the grade.
• All HWUM staff endeavours will embody our shared values: Inspire, Collaborate, Belong, and Celebrate.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive; duties may be amended over time as the role develops and priorities evolve.

Person Specification

This section outlines the attributes, skills, knowledge/qualifications, and competencies required to undertake the role.

Education & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent
• Masters

Experience

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience
• Strong management skills with ability to lead a team and a commitment to continuous quality improvement and service delivery
• Ability to prioritise work independently while maintaining quality
• Demonstrated capacity to develop, implement, manage and evaluate services and projects
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with people at all levels within the University and beyond
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality when handling information
• Effective computer, organisational and problem-solving skills

Special Factors

• Must be able to work on selected weekends

Application Process

• Applications should be submitted to Careers system by 13 February 2026; if not contacted by 28 February 2026, assume unsuccessful.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.