Head of Learner Lifecycle Transformation

Can you drive transformational change across a complex institution, bringing together systems, people and policy to build something that has never existed before?

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of lifelong learning at one of the world's top universities. Imperial College London's Lifelong Learning department is a new and ambitious initiative at the heart of the institution's Science for Humanity strategy — creating and delivering non-degree education including short courses, summer experiences, MOOCs, customised client work, and microcredentials. As Head of Learner Lifecycle Transformation, you will lead work to develop the systems, processes, regulations, and operating models that will embed Lifelong Learning firmly within Imperial's institutional infrastructure and enable it to scale sustainably.

This is a full-time, fixed-term post for one year in the first instance, with scope for extension as the role defines the roadmap and future models for this area.

This is a cross-institutional leadership role that requires you to operate through matrix leadership and influence rather than direct line management. You will be responsible for coordinating delivery, establishing recommendations, and securing agreement from relevant institutional owners across Registry, ICT, Academic Services, and Lifelong Learning. Formal ownership of systems, academic regulations, and operational services will remain with the appropriate institutional teams — your role is to be the connective force that makes joined-up, scalable change happen.

You will work across three core areas:

Strategic and Service Design Leadership — You will lead the identification and scoping of emerging operational, regulatory, data, systems and service challenges associated with Lifelong Learning, establishing clear problem statements and delivering roadmaps where institutional precedent does not yet exist. You will work closely with colleagues to design new service models, governance approaches, and operating frameworks, leading structured business analysis, options appraisal, and service design phases to translate outputs into implementable delivery plans. You will represent Lifelong Learning on relevant institutional project groups, ensuring the activity is represented in systems, processes, and capability.

Data, Systems and Process — You will lead cross-functional project work to ensure that student record, assessment, progression, and award systems are developed to accommodate Lifelong Learning learners and modes of study. Working closely with Registry, ICT colleagues and project teams, you will scope, roadmap, implement, test and launch system enhancements and integrations — and where no existing infrastructure can support, you will coordinate the procurement and development of new solutions. You will manage collaborative data architecture mapping across learner and student systems, oversee data governance, and champion simplification, standardisation, and automation of processes to support scalable, learner-centred services.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration — You will act as the principal point of coordination and momentum within Lifelong Learning for Registry and Academic Services-related activity, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and accountability across all relevant teams. You will build and maintain effective working relationships across ICT, Academic Services, faculties, and departments, represent Lifelong Learning in cross-institutional forums, and monitor emerging national and international policy developments to proactively shape Imperial's response.

Significant experience working in a cross-functional role within an academic service or with data, systems and processes in a higher education institution

Demonstrable experience of leading complex, cross-institutional projects from inception through to delivery and transition to business-as-usual

Experience of working across organisational boundaries to achieve outcomes without direct line management authority — you will be a skilled influencer and consensus-builder

Experience working with colleagues to ensure institutional compliance with national and international regulatory requirements, including those set by the Office for Students or equivalent bodies

Experience of leading data, systems and process development projects, including requirements gathering, options appraisal, and implementation

Strong knowledge of the student and learner lifecycle, including admissions, enrolment, student record, assessment, progression, award, and learner support processes

Excellent project management, influencing, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to a range of senior audiences

Ability to operate effectively in conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty, setting direction and making progress where established frameworks or precedents do not yet exist

Degree-level education or equivalent experience

The opportunity to lead transformational work at a global top ten university, at a pivotal moment in the development of lifelong learning at Imperial

The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.

Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).

Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.

Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.

Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week) and is fixed term for 1 year in the first instance.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Kate Forman, k.forman@imperial.ac.uk .