The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator of higher education in England, whose aim is to ensure that every student, whatever their background, has a fulfilling experience of higher education that enriches their lives and careers. It does so by regulating the higher education providers on its register to make sure they are delivering positive outcomes for their students and value for money; where they are not, it takes action.
Working together to manage a matrixed team of 60, the Competition and Registration Managers will lead on and deliver one or more of the directorate’s functions on the basis set out in the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 or the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and in the OfS’s regulatory framework. Engaging with key stakeholders internally and externally, together the postholders will be a strategic and creative influence within the directorate, managing a high-quality and motivated team with responsibility for both individual provider casework and policy development. The Office for Students is currently seeking to appoint two Competition and Regulation Managers.
Candidates will bring an understanding and experience in regulatory theory and practice along with experience in the use of a systems approach to the design and delivery of services. Confident decision makers, candidates will have the ability to reach reliable judgements on the basis of complex evidence and in novel circumstances. They will be able to approach challenges proactively and think innovatively about the OfS’s approach to regulating providers. Candidates will be strong leaders and collaborators with the ability to manage teams, and their workload, within a matrix structure. Comfortable with ambiguity and personally resilient, candidates will be adept at communicating complex regulatory issues effectively and building strong relationships inside and outside the organisation.
The OfS values diversity in all its forms: just as it seeks to promote access, success and progress for underrepresented groups of students, so it seeks to reflect this in its own workforce. As such, it is keen to hear from people from all backgrounds and walks of life with the right skills and expertise to help support its ambitious vision. The OfS also actively encourages employees to achieve their individual work/life balance by offering flexible working where business requirements allow.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Office for Students on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QAHAUAA. Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 2nd July 2020.
The next stages of the process will take place in line with current government guidance, supported by video technology when required. Candidates will be supported in the use of this technology throughout the process. We will make all reasonable adjustments to ensure that, if needed, candidates have access to communication support at all stages of the process. Final panel interviews will take place in September.