Academic Head

MC Technology Staffing; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education institution is seeking an experienced Academic Head in Johannesburg. The role involves overseeing curriculum development, quality assurance, and academic staff management to ensure excellence in higher education. Ideal candidates will have a Masters degree in Engineering, at least 5 years in academic management, and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of senior academic management experience in South Africa's higher education sector.
• Strong understanding of CHE, DHET, ECSA, and NQF / HEQSF frameworks.
• Proven experience in curriculum development, programme management, and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership aligned with the institution's mission and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the development and review of academic policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Oversee academic quality assurance and compliance with higher education regulations.
• Manage academic staff recruitment and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Quality assurance

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Masters degree in Engineering discipline

PhD preferred

Job description

Our client in Midrand, Johannesburg is looking for an experienced Academic Head to provide strategic leadership across all academic functions. The ideal candidate will oversee curriculum development, teaching and learning, quality assurance, and academic staff management to ensure academic excellence and compliance with South African higher education standards.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide academic leadership aligned with the institutions mission, vision, and regulatory requirements (CHE, DHET, ECSA).
• Lead the development and review of academic policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Ensure all programmes meet NQF / HEQSF standards and support student progression.
• Oversee academic quality assurance and compliance with higher education regulations.
• Manage academic staff recruitment, professional development, and performance.
• Oversee student administration, academic advising, support initiatives, and appeals.
• Act as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, industry partners, and internal committees.
• Support marketing and student recruitment for academic programmes.
• Prepare and present academic and compliance reports to management and regulatory bodies.
• Lead re-accreditation and audit processes.
• Manage academic budgets and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Contribute to operational and campus management as part of the leadership team.

Requirements

• Masters degree in Engineering discipline (PhD preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of senior academic management experience in South Africas higher education sector.
• Strong understanding of CHE, DHET, ECSA, and NQF / HEQSF frameworks.
• Proven experience in curriculum development, programme management, and quality assurance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to inspire and manage academic teams effectively.
• Student-focused mindset with a commitment to excellence and innovation.