Head of Partnerships

The London School of Science & Technology (LSST) is one of the UK’s leading, largest and fastest-growing independent higher education providers, with a strong presence across multiple campuses and university partnerships.

The team behind LSST is passionately committed to transforming lives through excellent education. We believe everyone, regardless of background, age or personal circumstances, is entitled to access a high-quality education. LSST is proud of its outstanding results in the National Student Survey, placing it among the leading higher education providers in the UK.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Partnerships will provide strategic, commercial and operational leadership across LSST’s higher and further education, international collaboration, validated and franchised provision, commercial partnerships, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) engagement.

Key Responsibilities (not limited to)

Strategic Leadership

• Develop LSST’s partnerships strategy, aligned with institutional priorities, recruitment, employability, widening participation, internationalisation and income growth.
• Advise senior leadership on opportunities, risks, market intelligence and regulatory developments.
• Build and manage diverse academic, international, FE/HE, employer, commercial, civic, public and professional partnerships.

International and Collaborative Provision

• Lead international partnerships, articulation and progression agreements, transnational education, franchise and validated provision.
• Oversee due diligence, business cases, approvals, contracts, onboarding, monitoring and review.
• Ensure partnerships are academically sound, financially viable and operationally deliverable.

Commercial and Employer Partnerships

• Develop partnerships supporting employability, work-based learning, apprenticeships, placements, consultancy, executive education and bespoke training.
• Lead negotiations covering commercial terms, responsibilities, performance, intellectual property and risk.
• Identify opportunities for income generation, innovation, skills development and student progression.

KTP, Innovation and PSRB Engagement

• Lead KTP and applied innovation activity, developing opportunities with businesses, charities, public bodies and academic teams.
• Support proposals, funding, partner engagement, governance and delivery.
• Develop PSRB relationships, supporting accreditation, curriculum currency, professional standards and quality enhancement.

Quality, Compliance and Risk

• Ensure partnerships comply with LSST policies, academic regulations, quality requirements, data protection, equality, safeguarding, UKVI responsibilities and contracts.
• Maintain partnership risk management covering academic, financial, operational, legal and reputational risks.
• Provide governance reports, dashboards, business cases and assurance updates.

Leadership and Management

• Lead and develop partnership and external engagement staff.
• Build effective cross-institutional relationships across academic and professional services.
• Manage partnership budgets and resources, ensuring value for money and return on investment.

Key Performance Indicators

Success will be measured through partnership growth and sustainability; recruitment, income, retention, progression and employability; partner satisfaction; successful approvals, renewals and accreditations; effective risk and compliance management; commercial and KTP opportunities; and enhanced reputation and external influence.

Person Specification

Essential: Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience; substantial UK HE/FE knowledge; proven strategic partnership experience; PSRB or accrediting-body experience; commercial and financial acumen; and strong leadership, negotiation, project management and stakeholder-management skills.

Desirable: Doctoral or relevant professional qualification; experience in international, validated or franchised provision, KTPs, apprenticeships, consultancy or executive education; knowledge of UKVI, OfS and international regulatory environments; and established sector networks.

Location: LSST campuses, with national and international travel as required

Additional Requirements:

Willingness to travel nationally and internationally, including occasional overnight stays; commitment to LSST’s mission, values, safeguarding, equality, widening participation and inclusive partnership practice; and discretion, diplomacy and sound judgement when managing commercially sensitive, regulatory or reputational matters.