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.

The Department of Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications (MARC) sits within Academic Services, which is part of the University’s Professional Services. Our teams are collectively responsible for external and internal engagement, reputation and branding, marketing, market insight  and research, corporate communications, admissions, events (including graduation), student recruitment and access strategies for the University. Faculty Hubs which cover many of these also sit within the department.

Overview

This role delivers student recruitment activity in the South of England: with key responsibility for the London region, plus additional support where required across other regions. With a focus on activities that take place off campus, securing the long-term applicant pipeline through developing sustainable relationships with teachers, advisers and influencers, and delivering sessions to schools and colleges.

Applicants are required to be home based in London. When this role is not delivering recruitment activity off campus in the South, your home will be your work base. There will be the expectation to visit campus as needed for meetings, training and to support on-campus events. The University will cover the expenses of trips to campus.

This role covers all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate etc) and aims to raise awareness of the University early in the customer journey with prospective students and their influencers to generate leads and ultimately increase applications to the University. The role will include budget holding responsibilities, as well as various other developmental opportunities. We’re looking for a confident personable individual with great communication, presentation and organisational skills, alongside a passion for delivering inspiring and creative student recruitment initiatives.

The role is part of the Lead Generation team, which includes team members working remotely in the South as well as those based on campus in Sheffield, responsible for delivering activities in the North. The Lead Generation team is part of a central team which includes a range of high performing marketing, recruitment and events professionals. The team's vision is to create the best possible prospective student experience at every touchpoint, in a collaborative and innovative way.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Represent the University at UK recruitment events for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate study, requiring regular national travel. A full UK driving licence is a requirement for this post.
• Build, manage and maintain lead generation relationships in London and other regions in the South where required. This will include holding the budget for this region and becoming a single point of contact/expert for all stakeholders based in your region.
• Provide information, advice, and guidance to prospective students acting as a positive role model.
• Work closely with the Head of Lead Generation South to develop and deliver the UK recruitment strategy, utilising expert knowledge, market research, and data analysis to determine the most effective targeting of activities and resources using traditional and digital recruitment methods.
• Plan and deliver projects in collaboration with regional and national schools, colleges and other partners ensuring operational delivery aligns with strategy.
• Contribute to the recruitment, training, and deployment of Student Ambassadors who will assist in the delivery of recruitment activities.
• Foster strong collaborative links with Faculty Hubs and the Access Team to ensure seamless delivery of regional recruitment plans & inclusion of access initiatives.
• Support campus based recruitment events such as Open Days, Offer holder days and Clearing activity.
•  Effectively manage risks, including safeguarding & driving requirements.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post including attendance at on-campus events (e.g open days)  throughout the year, on weekends.

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 doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Essential criteria

• A good honours degree in Communications / Marketing / Business or a related subject or equivalent experience.
• A full UK driving licence is a requirement for this post.
• Experience of working on a range of lead generation/student recruitment activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively, build meaningful relationships with key stakeholders (preferably but not only) in schools, colleges etc and to create strong networks.
• Experience of working with, and understanding of, the undergraduate home and postgraduate home demographic.
• Ability to plan strategically and allocate resources for the best return on investment.
• Excellent time management, project management and organisational skills.
• Able to easily and confidently talk to new people and open conversations.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation and engagement skills.
• Commitment to continuous innovation and development.
• Relevant IT skills including Google and Microsoft packages.

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £32,080 - £36,636 (plus London weighting*)

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Permanent

Line manager: Head of Lead Generation South

Direct reports: None

*London weighting rates: a fixed allowance of £3,500 per annum. You will be notified in writing of any changes in these rates. The allowance will be consolidated and pensionable. London weighting areas are defined as the area bounded by the M25 motorway and you will both live and work in this area for the majority of your time to be eligible.

Where applicable we shall pay a contribution of £26.00 each month towards the utility costs at your home. Where you are required to visit the University’s main campus for work purposes, the costs of travel and overnight accommodation, if applicable, will be reimbursed according to the University’s Travel and Business Expenses Regulations.

For any informal enquiries about the role please contact Lydia Stride, Head of Lead Generation South - l.r.stride@sheffield.ac.uk. 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that a selection process will take place in the week commencing  9th March 2026. This will consist of an interview, and presentation on a topic shared in advance.  If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact l.r.stride@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 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.

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.

Criminal record

An enhanced DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates.

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.