Associate Dean of Apprenticeships and Skills

Associate Dean of Apprenticeships and Skills

Aston Professional

We are seeking an experienced and influential senior leader to join Aston Professional as Associate Dean of Apprenticeships and Skills. This is an opportunity to shape high-quality, employer-responsive apprenticeship provision across the University, bringing together academic excellence, outstanding apprentice experiences and robust institutional assurance.

Working collaboratively with the Director of Aston Professional, Schools and Professional Services, you will provide strategic leadership across the entire apprenticeship journey, from programme development and employer engagement to delivery, assessment and completion. You will help translate changing policy and regulatory expectations into effective systems, clear responsibilities and practical improvements.

You will lead institutional development and continuous improvement of apprenticeship processes, working closely with the Head of Compliance and quality colleagues to strengthen data integrity, funding assurance, Ofsted readiness and evidence-led improvement. You will oversee programme performance, champion effective use of Aptem and related systems, and ensure that apprentice and employer feedback informs action.

As a senior leader, you will build productive relationships with employers and sector partners, support new skills opportunities and work across academic and professional teams to address complex challenges. You will provide leadership and development for apprenticeship staff, promote inclusive practice and support financially sustainable provision. The role also includes leadership responsibilities within Aston Professional’s safeguarding arrangements.

We are looking for someone with substantial experience of higher and/or degree apprenticeships and a strong record of leading apprenticeship quality, compliance, systems or delivery in a complex organisation. You will bring a sophisticated understanding of the apprenticeship policy and regulatory environment, experience of audit or inspection preparation, and the judgement to influence decisions across organisational boundaries.

You will be an effective and collaborative leader, confident working with senior colleagues and employers, interpreting complex requirements and turning strategic priorities into measurable improvements. Strong analytical, communication and people-management skills, together with a commitment to inclusion, quality and continuous improvement, are essential.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to strengthen apprenticeship quality, improve the apprentice and employer journey and help Aston Professional realise its ambitions, we would welcome your application.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk