Head of Admissions
University of SalfordSalford, United Kingdom, North West
Overview
This is a university role with University of Salford based in Salford, United Kingdom. GovJobs has indexed this vacancy from its official source — use the apply button to view the full advert and apply directly.
Job description
This is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the University's most critical professional services functions at a time of significant transformation and growth.
As Head of Admissions, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the University's admissions service, ensuring admissions policies, processes and systems support the University's ambitions for growth, widening participation and an outstanding applicant experience. Leading a large team responsible for processing more than 60,000 applications annually across undergraduate, postgraduate, research and degree apprenticeship programmes, you will play a central role in shaping the future student community at the University of Salford.
Working closely with senior leaders, academic colleagues and professional service teams, you will drive innovation, continuous improvement and excellent customer service across the applicant journey, from application through to registration.
About the Department
The Marketing, Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate brings together admissions, applicant experience, student recruitment, widening participation, marketing and digital content expertise into a single, integrated function.
This collaborative approach ensures prospective students receive an exceptional experience while supporting the University's strategic objectives, reputation and recruitment ambitions. The Admissions team is at the heart of this mission, balancing operational excellence, regulatory compliance and customer-focused service delivery.
The University is committed to creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds and has ambitious plans for both UK and international student growth. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development and flexible ways of working where business needs allow.
- Lead the University's admissions service, ensuring it supports recruitment targets, student growth and strategic priorities.
- Provide leadership for key admissions activities, including Confirmation and Clearing, while responding to changes in policy, regulation and the wider sector.
- Ensure the delivery of an efficient, customer-focused admissions service that provides an excellent applicant experience.
- Act as the University's lead expert on admissions, building effective relationships with Faculties, professional services teams, UCAS and external stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement through the development of systems, processes and data-informed decision-making.
- Lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and innovative culture.
- Contribute to the wider leadership and strategic direction of the Marketing, Student Recruitment and Admissions Directorate and deputise for the Director when required.
What We're Looking For
You will be an experienced leader with a strong understanding of admissions, student recruitment or related higher education services. You will bring:
- Significant leadership and people management experience.
- Strong knowledge of admissions policy, regulation and sector developments.
- Experience of leading large-scale operational services and managing performance through data and insight.
- A track record of delivering change, improving processes and enhancing customer experience.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to think strategically while delivering operational excellence.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the University's future by leading a service that plays a critical role in student recruitment and success. You'll join an ambitious leadership team committed to innovation, collaboration and delivering an exceptional experience for every applicant.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary - and excellent pension scheme
- An impressive 32 days leave - plus bank holidays, additional time off at Christmas and the opportunity to buy even more!
- Flexible working - we support a culture of flexible and agile working to help you find the right balance
- Our community - there's a real sense of belonging here at Salford. We value diversity, in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students' lives
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 17th November 2026
Note this advert may close early based on applicant numbers.
Join us here in Salford and be part of one of the UK’s fastest growing universities. At Salford, you’ll find a career that works for you, with flexible working, great benefits, generous annual leave and continuous professional development.
All our people are important to us, and we have services dedicated to your mental and physical wellbeing from an Employee Assistance Programme to discounted gym membership. All of this on either our Peel Park campus or our MediaCity campus, at the heart of a world-renowned digital and media hub.
We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students’ lives. We have a commitment to be Net Zero by 2038 and embed sustainability in all aspects of university life.
And, most importantly, we offer you a rewarding career. A career where everything you do will make a difference – to the students, our local community and the world around you.
At the University of Salford you’ll join a place to be inspired, connect and thrive. Find out more about a career that works for you at www.salford.ac.uk/jobs.
How this role compares
There are 609 university roles open across the UK on GovJobs right now, 76 of them in North West.
University of Salford has 13 other vacancies open on GovJobs, with a breakdown of what they pay and the kinds of roles they recruit for.
These figures are calculated from the vacancies GovJobs currently holds, not from official pay statistics. They are a guide to the market, not a valuation of this post.
How to apply
GovJobs does not take applications or send your details to the employer. Use the apply button to open the official University Salford advert, then check the employer's instructions, attachments, person specification and closing time before applying.
This listing was last checked on 21 Oct 2026, 04:45. If the official advert has changed or closed, report it and we will review the listing.
Why this listing is on GovJobs
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The source for this role is University Salford. Applications stay on the official employer or source website, not on GovJobs.