Exams Manager

Role overview

The College is looking for an Exams Manager to lead the Exams team within Business Support. This is a hands-on operational post focused on the smooth running of the Exams office, the quality of the student assessment experience, and the accuracy, integrity, and safe handling of learner data across the student record system throughout the learner journey.

The postholder will make sure exams and assessments are delivered in line with JCQ and awarding organisation rules, while also driving a customer-focused service that supports an excellent student experience. The role reports to the Head of Student Administration.

What you will do

• Oversee the administrative processes needed to deliver assessments and examinations to students.
• Lead, supervise, and appraise Exams Officers, ensuring expectations are clear, performance is monitored, and development needs are addressed.
• Keep staffing and service levels on track while maintaining strong customer service standards.
• Create, update, and maintain standard operating procedures and guidance documents so the service remains consistent.
• Build a strong working understanding of the curriculum plan, course setup, and annual enrolment cycle.
• Put in place reliable procedures to manage Exam Access Arrangements accurately and ensure they are delivered effectively during exams.
• Stay fully informed on JCQ and awarding organisation requirements.
• Act as a superuser for the student record system and provide training to the team where needed.
• Ensure records are stored in a secure, well-organised archive system that meets policy requirements and is ready for inspection.
• Support audit and inspection preparation by monitoring data and document repositories.
• Maintain full GDPR compliance, including the handling of data capture and information requests.
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with key college departments to support joined-up service delivery.
• Support the review of policies and procedures with the Head of Student Administration to improve how the service operates.
• Work with the Head of Student Administration to ensure processes support Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and align with strategic priorities.
• Liaise with MIS to help develop systems that are efficient, compliant, and effective.
• Stand in for the Head of Student Administration at internal and external meetings when required.
• Support the wider Student Administration team during peak periods such as enrolment.
• Carry out other suitable duties required by the service and appropriate to the grade.
• Take active responsibility for Health and Safety to help maintain a safe workplace and safe working practices.

Experience and skills needed

• Proven experience of managing workflows, tracking service standards, and reporting on performance.
• Background in delivering high-quality customer service in a professional environment.
• Substantial recent experience managing an administrative function.
• Ability to analyse statistical data and turn it into useful reporting for process control, early intervention, and improvement.
• Experience maintaining record systems and checking data accuracy.
• Strong planning, organisation, and prioritisation abilities with the capacity to meet deadlines.
• Good IT capability.
• Demonstrated experience of training other people.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, along with strong interpersonal skills.
• A flexible, adaptable, and constructive approach.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Desirable background

• Understanding of the education sector and funding rules.
• Knowledge of ProSolution.
• Experience working in a matrix management structure.

Working pattern and contract

This is a part-time onsite role. The source text also describes the post as full-time, permanent, 35 hours per week; however, the role type provided is part-time and no remote option is stated, so the vacancy is marked as part-time and onsite.

Salary

The annual salary range is £37,822 to £40,106.

Additional information

The role may close before the advertised deadline if enough suitable applications are received, so early submission is recommended.

Benefits

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 20.20%.
• Up to 30 days of annual leave, plus 1 wellbeing day.
• 5 to 7 days of statutory closure leave and 2 additional days at Easter.
• Access to an employee benefits platform with discounts across supermarkets, fashion, lifestyle, technology, travel, cinema, leisure, and home appliances.
• Cycle to Work scheme and salary-sacrifice options for selected purchases.
• 24/7 confidential support through the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to counselling, wellbeing tools, self-help resources, and online support covering emotional, physical, financial, and legal concerns.
• Online wellbeing portal and Wisdom App with wellbeing features, meditation, fitness, and daily tips.
• Free eye test voucher scheme with Specsavers, including up to £25 for a full eye exam and £45 toward glasses.
• Free flu vaccinations.
• Interest-free loans for annual Merseytravel and Merseyrail passes.
• Flexible working options where business needs allow.
• Professional development opportunities, both formal and informal.
• Free use of sports and fitness facilities.
• Discounted hair and beauty treatments at the Academy and Graduate salons.
• Staff discount at the Academy Restaurant.