Chief Executive Officer

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is the UK’s independent quality body for tertiary education, working to benefit students and the sector, and recognised globally as one of the leading authorities on quality assurance.

We are trusted by higher education providers, governments and regulators to safeguard standards and enhance the quality of learning. Our work ensures that students are at the heart of everything we do, and that UK higher education continues to command confidence at home and internationally.

Operating at the centre of one of the world’s most respected higher education systems, QAA works across all four nations of the UK, reflecting distinct regulatory contexts while maintaining a consistent and coherent approach. As custodian of the UK Quality Code and other sectorowned reference points, we play a vital role in maintaining trust, credibility and consistency across a complex and evolving landscape.

We also work globally, partnering with governments, agencies and institutions to support international collaboration, transnational education and the global reputation of UK higher education.

As a membershipbased organisation and trusted partner to public bodies, QAA combines public purpose with a growing commercial focus. The organisation is now entering an important new phase, building on strong foundations to strengthen its value to the sector, develop new opportunities for growth, and ensure continued relevance and impact in a rapidly changing environment.

About the role

We are seeking an outstanding, values-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead QAA into its next phase. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a respected organisation at the heart of higher education, strengthening its role as a trusted authority on quality and standards while driving sustainable growth and impact.

QAA has recently undertaken a programme of organisational change to align its operating model with its future ambitions, strengthening its commercial capability and positioning the Agency for longterm sustainability. The incoming CEO will build on this foundation, ensuring the organisation delivers with clarity, pace and impact.

As CEO, you will set a clear and inspiring vision for QAA, guiding the organisation through a dynamic and evolving sector. You will bring together colleagues, partners, students, regulators and stakeholders around a shared purpose, ensuring QAA continues to deliver meaningful value across the UK and internationally.

What you’ll be doing

You will provide strategic, operational and cultural leadership across the Agency, including:

• Setting direction: Defining and delivering a compelling, future-focused strategy aligned to QAA’s purpose, values and charitable objectives.
• Driving impact and growth: Leading a more commercially focused approach, developing new income streams, partnerships and services to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Leading people and culture: Inspiring and supporting a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative organisation, empowering colleagues across a flexible and geographically dispersed workforce.
• Building influence: Acting as a visible ambassador for QAA, strengthening relationships with governments, regulators, sector partners and international stakeholders.
• Ensuring strong governance: Working closely with the Board to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability and effective risk management.

About you

We are looking for a strategic and collaborative leader who can operate with credibility and impact at the highest levels.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of senior leadership in a complex organisation, delivering both strategic and operational results
• Experience of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, such as government, regulators or sector bodies
• A proven ability to drive growth, innovation or organisational transformation
• A deep understanding of the Higher Education landscape or a Higher Education-adjacent regulated environment
• The ability to communicate a clear vision and bring people with you through change

You will also demonstrate:

• An inclusive, empowering leadership style and a commitment to equity, diversity and belonging
• Strong commercial awareness and sound judgement
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to thrive in a changing environment
• A commitment to integrity, professionalism and continuous improvement

Why join us?

QAA plays a vital role in supporting confidence in UK higher education around the world. You will join a purpose-driven organisation with a strong reputation, working alongside committed colleagues who are passionate about making a difference for students and the sector.

We offer a flexible, remote-first working environment, a supportive culture, and the opportunity to lead a national organisation at a pivotal moment.

For an informal conversation with our recruitment partners GatenbySanderson, contact Jacqueline.lau@gatenbysanderson.com (It would be helpful to share your CV or a short introduction to your background.)

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