Senior Manager Partnership Admissions (1932)
Senior Manager Partnership Admissions
Full Time – Permanent – High Wycombe
Salary - £44,746 - £56,535
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission.
The Senior Manager Partner Admissions is responsible for the operational management of all home and international partner admissions across undergraduate and postgraduate provision. The role ensures that admissions processes are rigorous, efficient, and fully compliant with University policies and external regulatory requirements, while delivering a high-quality, responsive service to partner institutions and applicants.
The postholder will lead the Partner Admissions team to achieve excellence in accuracy, performance, and customer service, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external partners, the Senior Manager will enhance the applicant experience, strengthen institutional relationships, and support the University’s strategic objectives for growth in collaborative provision.
A key aspect of the role is balancing robust governance with a solution-focused approach, safeguarding the University’s reputation and promoting inclusivity to help build a diverse and welcoming community.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependent on business needs)
- training & development support opportunities
- contributory pension scheme
- discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
- a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Professor Sarah Williams on sarah.williams2@bnu.ac.uk
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and aim to continue building an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’s workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Please let us know if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that would enable you to perform to the best of your abilities in your role. Please reach out to Louise Williams on louise.williams@bnu.ac.uk if you have any specific needs or if you would like more information on how we can support you.
We ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
Closing Date: 4th January 2026
Interview Date: 16th January 2026
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Senior Manager Partner Admissions
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College/Directorate: External Collaborations
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Grade: H |
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Location: High Wycombe
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Hours: 37 |
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Responsible to: Director of Collaborative Compliance
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Responsible for: Partner Admissions Team
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Job Purpose: The Senior Manager Partner Admissions is responsible for the operational management of all aspects of home and international partner undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. This role ensures that admissions processes are rigorous, compliant, and aligned with University policies and external regulatory requirements, while also delivering a high-quality, responsive service to partner institutions and applicants.
The postholder will lead the Partner Admissions team to achieve high standards of professionalism, accuracy, and performance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and customer service excellence. They will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure that admissions practices support the University’s strategic goals, enhance the applicant experience, and strengthen partner relationships.
A key aspect of the role is balancing robust admissions governance with a supportive and solution-focused approach, ensuring that partners feel valued and well-served throughout the admissions journey. The Senior Manager Partner Admissions will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the University’s reputation and enabling sustainable growth in collaborative provision.
The post holder will practice an inclusive approach and support building an inclusive university community where people can be themselves.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
- Lead the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the University’s admissions operations for partner provision, ensuring services are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed service standards.
- Manage and develop the Partner Admissions team, fostering a high-performance culture through effective leadership, target setting, personal development reviews, and performance management.
- Ensure a positive applicant and partner experience by embedding efficient, transparent, and customer-focused admissions processes that are regularly reviewed and refined.
- Implement and maintain effective systems and digital solutions to support seamless admissions operations, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and responsiveness across all applicant touchpoints.
- Ensure compliance with data governance standards, maintaining accurate applicant records and ensuring communications are timely, relevant, and aligned with University policies.
- Act as a key source of expertise and guidance on admissions-related matters, promoting best practice across the University and supporting partner recruitment and conversion activity, where required.
- Respond effectively to applicant complaints and queries, identifying root causes of recurring issues and collaborating with partner recruitment teams to improve applicant communications and reduce unnecessary contact.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Academic Colleges, Collaborative Relationships, Registry, and other departments, to ensure alignment and support for partner admissions operations.
- Act as the Directorate’s expert on qualifications frameworks, interpreting entry requirements and ensuring compliance with institutional admissions policies and external regulatory standards and communicating this expertise to all partner organisations.
- Serve as the primary liaison with UCAS and other external agencies, ensuring service delivery and proactively responding to sector changes that may impact admissions operations.
- Undertake other duties as required, contributing flexibly to the University’s strategic priorities and ensuring continuity of service across admissions functions.
- Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
- Line management responsibilities including recruitment and selection, performance management, professional development, motivation, health & safety, and wellbeing, and have an agile approach to change.
PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
Means of Testing |
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Educated to degree level |
A |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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Delivering an excellent customer experience |
A/I |
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In depth knowledge of home and international partner undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research admissions processes in UK higher education sufficient to enable the post holder to function as a point of reference for these matters within the University. |
A/I |
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Experience of the planning and organisation of large-scale, high- volume customer facing operations and delivering continuous improvement |
A/I |
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Knowledge and understanding of the legislative and policy framework within which HE admissions operates, including fair admissions policy, the national quality assurance framework and consumer protection legislation |
A/I |
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Experience of interpreting internal and external regulations and guidance, and leading the implementation of changes required to policies, systems, and processes to secure compliance |
A/I |
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Providing regular analysis and update of key data pertaining to applications, offers, conversion and related activity. |
A/I |
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Experience of process review and projects as a vehicle for business change |
A/I |
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Demonstrable track record in the management and development of teams including motivation activities and performance management. |
A/I |
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Demonstrable service-oriented approach and experience of inspiring others to perform to high standards in challenging operational situations. |
A/I |
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Skills |
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Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools |
A/I |
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The ability to lead and motivate a team of staff, recognising individual differences, and providing effective support, where required |
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Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to work to tight deadlines, under pressure and manage multiple competing priorities, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail |
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Highly motivated and proactive, with a commitment to continuous improvement to deliver an efficient and effective service |
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide written and oral guidance on regulatory, compliance and policy matters to staff at all levels of the institution |
A/I |
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Good data handling and statistical analysis skills including the ability to produce data reports and present them. |
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The ability to lead and motivate a team of staff, recognising individual differences and providing effective support, where required |
A/I |
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Special Requirements |
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Willingness to work extended hours at periods of peak business demand |
A |
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Due to peak business demand the post holder must be available during the peak summer period in August and September. Any extended annual leave must be taken outside of this period. |
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Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows:
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Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships to drive up customer service standards.
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Working together Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
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Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
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