Academic Language & Learning Lead

Department: Academic
Locations: Manchester
Position Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday/ 9am to 5pm/ 5 days in the office
Reports To: Dean and Associate Dean
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum depending on experience

Job Overview

UK Management College (UKMC) is seeking an experienced academic professional to lead the strategic development and implementation of the institution-wide English Language Proficiency Framework. The postholder will ensure compliance with OFS Condition B4.2(d) and alignment with QAA FHEQ Levels 3–6, while enhancing English language assessment, academic literacy provision, and staff capability across the College.

The role combines leadership of diagnostic assessment, academic support provision, staff development, and quality assurance to ensure consistent, inclusive, and evidence-based English language standards across all programmes.

Job Responsibilities

• Framework Leadership and Assessment Strategy
  
• Academic Language Provision
  
• Policy, Quality, and Documentation
  
• Staff Development and Training
  
• Data, Monitoring, and Reporting
  
• Academic Collaboration and Enhancement
  

Academic Language Provision

• Establish and manage the Academic Language & Learning Hub (ALL Hub), including small-group workshops, writing lab services, online learning resources, and 1:1 tutorial pathways.
  
• Develop structured academic literacy interventions to support student progression and attainment.
  
• Maintain oversight of targeted support pathways for students requiring additional English language development.
  
  

Policy, Quality, and Documentation

• Maintain and regularly update the Language Assessment Handbook, ensuring it remains inclusive, consistent, and aligned with institutional assessment policy.
  
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of institutional policies relating to academic literacy and English language proficiency.
  

• Provide expert input into internal and external quality assurance processes.
  
  

Staff Development and Training

• Develop and deliver staff development programmes (annual and on-demand) for lecturers, Student Support Teams (SSTs), and markers on English proficiency assessment, moderation, and feedback practices.
  
• Facilitate moderation training and sampling exercises across campuses to ensure consistent application of English proficiency standards.
  
• Promote consistent, inclusive, and evidence-informed approaches to language assessment and feedback.
  
  

Data, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Monitor and report on student referrals, attendance, and progress, implementing structured action plans and tutorial interventions.
  
• Analyse diagnostic data, staff training participation, and assessment trends to support institutional decision-making.
  
• Produce annual compliance and enhancement reports for Academic Board consideration.
  

Academic Collaboration and Enhancement

• Collaborate with Course Directors and Heads of Department to embed discipline-specific English language support and assessment expectations.
  
• Provide subject-level consultation and advisory input during programme validation, review, and enhancement processes.
  
• Support curriculum teams in integrating academic literacy development within subject teaching.
  
  

Essential Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Applied Linguistics, TESOL, Academic Literacy, or a related discipline.
  
• Demonstrated expertise in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and/or academic writing development in higher education.
  
• Proven experience designing and delivering academic English support interventions at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.
  
• Strong understanding of language assessment, moderation processes, and curriculum integration.
  
• Knowledge of OfS Condition B4.2(d), QAA FHEQ descriptors, and inclusive assessment practices.
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of Advance HE.
  
• Experience managing a learning centre, writing lab, or academic literacy programme.
  
• Knowledge of multilingual learner support, inclusive feedback practices, and diagnostic testing development.
  
• Evidence of contribution to institutional quality enhancement or academic policy development.
  
  

Why Join UKMC?

You will be joining an ambitious and forward-thinking institution committed to teaching excellence, innovation, and student success. This role offers the opportunity to shape a practice-led, industry-informed curriculum and contribute directly to the development of future business and digital marketing professionals.

UKMC provides a supportive academic environment with opportunities for professional development, collaboration with industry partners, and career progression.