Interim Head of Student Recruitment, UK University

We are supporting a UK university at a pivotal point in its student recruitment journey, appointing an Interim Head of Student Recruitment to provide stability, leadership and momentum across both UK/Home and international markets. Following organisational change and the departure of the previous post-holder, there is a requirement for immediate senior leadership. This gap comes at a critical moment: the market remains highly competitive, performance across live cycles needs firmer grip, and senior leaders are looking for confidence that this function is firmly back under control.

The university needs an interim who can steady the ship while accelerating delivery, someone equally comfortable operating strategically and rolling up their sleeves. There is a clear plan in place, sponsored at senior level, and the brief is to pick this up quickly, deliver at pace, and create the space for longer-term strategic thinking to take shape. Immediate priorities include tightening performance across the recruitment funnel, introducing sharper commercial and data-led decision making, and bringing clarity and leadership to international recruitment, where both ambition and complexity are high.

The role carries responsibility for multi-disciplinary teams spanning UK recruitment, international recruitment and campaigns and conversion activity. The recent restructure means parts of the function are unsettled, so this is not a lone-operator assignment. It requires a visible, collaborative leader who can rebuild confidence, align teams around clear priorities, and bring people with them through change. Gravitas with senior leaders is essential, as is the ability to manage up, provide assurance, and translate insight into decisive action.

Success in this role will be felt quickly: stability from week one, renewed confidence at executive level, clearer insight into performance and ROI, and growing momentum across both UK and international recruitment. Ultimately, your presence should allow senior leaders to look ahead, knowing that delivery, people and performance are in safe hands.

The assignment is full-time, starting as soon as possible, with an expected on-campus presence of two to three days per week. We are keen to speak with experienced senior recruitment leaders who are open to an interim role of real substance and impact. Confidential conversations are welcomed via Claire Lauder at Anderson Quigley.