The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Reporting to the Associate Director of Student & Academic Services, the Head of Student Registry plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of student-related administrative processes across the University. With a team of 70 staff, this leadership position manages a diverse range of teams, including:

• Registration and Records
• Student Fees and Funding
• Examinations and Results
• Student Engagement and Progression
• Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals
• Data Insight & Business Support

These activities underpin business critical functions, allowing others to discharge their operational, legal and regulatory obligations. The Student Registry teams also manage external relationships with organisations such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) and the Student Loans Company (SLC).

First and foremost, the service has a student-centred approach which aims to ensure students are supported by people and processes, in a fair, transparent and consistent manner.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Management of the Student Registry, ensuring that processes, systems and services align with the University's overall strategic objectives.
• Development of the student record, ensuring that student data are accurate, well-managed and support business processes and ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Implement robust quality assurance processes across services.
• Undertake systems and process reviews, identifying opportunities for service improvement and engendering a culture of high performance across teams, with a strong focus on customer service.
• Provide expert advice to senior colleagues and academic schools on matters relating to student registration, student funding and finance, student conduct, assessment and progression and other activities supported by Student Registry Teams.
• Stay abreast of legal and regulatory changes relating to the student journey, ensuring that these are captured and reflected in policies, processes and systems operated across the University.

• Development and delivery of operational plans and the setting and monitoring of performance targets across teams.
• Ensure that robust contingency plans are in place across all Student Registry systems and processes, working closely with IT Services, academic schools and wider professional services teams.
• Develop excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and deploy resources to maximise their impact.
• Represent the Student Registry at University committees and working groups.
• Be an active member of the Student Administration and Academic Affairs Senior Management Team (SMT) as well as a member of the wider Student & Academic Services Leadership Team.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 13th October 2025. This will consist of an interview, presentation and stakeholder panel. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 6th October 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact interviews@sheffield.ac.uk 

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 28/09/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.