Head of Exams

Job Description

Head of Exams Location: Nationwide – office-based with national travel Contract: Permanent, full-time Salary: £60,000 per annum Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm Sector: Education / Examinations About the Role We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Head of Exams to lead and develop a specialist examinations service designed to provide inclusive, supportive exam environments for neurodivergent learners. This is a senior operational leadership position with responsibility for the end-to-end delivery of examinations, including scheduling, compliance, centre operations, team management and candidate experience. You will lead the development and expansion of examination centres nationally, ensuring consistent standards, effective processes and a high-quality service for both internal and external candidates. Key Responsibilities Lead the day-to-day operation and development of examination services across multiple locations. Manage, motivate and develop examination centre teams, including centre and subject leads. Oversee examination planning, scheduling, logistics and delivery. Ensure compliance with JCQ requirements, examination regulations, relevant legislation and internal policies. Oversee reasonable adjustments to ensure candidates receive appropriate support during examinations. Manage appeals, misconduct investigations and examination-related issues fairly and consistently. Maintain oversight of operational risks, policies, procedures, databases and record keeping. Manage budgets, forecasting and expenditure in collaboration with finance colleagues. Analyse examination data, candidate numbers and results to inform operational decisions. Build strong relationships with awarding bodies, suppliers, delivery partners and other stakeholders. Lead the establishment of new examination centres and support the national expansion of the service. Promote continuous improvement, staff development and an excellent candidate experience. Take responsibility for safeguarding within the examination service. The Ideal Candidate At least five years' experience working in examinations or qualifications. At least five years' management experience, including leading teams and complex service delivery. Experience managing operations across multiple sites or locations. Strong knowledge of examination regulations, compliance and examination processes. Experience managing budgets, forecasting and cost control. A track record of establishing, developing or expanding operational services. Experience identifying and managing operational risks. Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills. Confidence managing senior stakeholders and external partners. Excellent written communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft 365. A commitment to inclusion, equity and providing appropriate support for neurodivergent learners. Experience within SEND or specialist education is desirable, but not essential. Why Apply? This is an opportunity to take ownership of a growing specialist examinations service, shape its national development and help create more inclusive examination experiences for neurodivergent young people. How to Apply If you have the relevant examinations leadership and operational management experience, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV to discuss the opportunity in confidence. Important Notice Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Dovetail and Slate Ltd (11351060) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003. We are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy. Because education matters. © Dovetail and Slate Limited. TPBN1_UKTJ