Director of Student Services
£75,000 - £80,000 per annum
37 hours per week
Permanent
About the Role
Are you a visionary leader passionate about shaping exceptional student experiences?
We are seeking an outstanding Director of Student Services to join our Executive team and play a pivotal role in transforming how students live, thrive, and succeed while studying at Hartpury.
As Director of Student Services, you will lead a diverse portfolio spanning:
- Safeguarding and student support
- Wellbeing, counselling, and health
- Residential life, accommodation and enrichment
- Employability, skills and careers
- Students’ Union
Working closely with the Chief People Officer, you will shape strategy, evaluate services, and harness innovation and technology to deliver inclusive, responsive, and future-focused support.
You will:
- Ensure student services are aligned with strategic priorities
- Champion an outstanding student experience that holistically drives engagement, retention and success
- Inspire high-performing multidisciplinary teams
- Act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring excellence in compliance and student care
- Develop strong external partnerships (including NHS and community organisations)
- Use insight and data to deliver targeted, meaningful interventions
- Drive initiatives that enhance student wellbeing, mental health, employability and inclusion
- Embed a culture of student voice and co-creation
About You
This is more than a leadership role – it’s an opportunity to redefine non-academic student experience, ensuring every student feels supported, safe, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
You are an authentic, resilient and strategic leader with a track record of delivering impactful support.
You will bring:
- Significant leadership experience in Higher Education or Further Education environments
- Expertise in safeguarding, wellbeing and student support services
- Proven success leading service transformation and change
- Confidence managing high-risk, sensitive casework
- Strong operational leadership
- A passion for equity, diversity and inclusion
- The ability to inspire trust, build partnerships, and influence at the highest level
- Honours degree (or equivalent experience)
- Relevant professional qualification / CPD
- Safeguarding Level 3 (or above)
- Willingness to work flexibility, including occasional evenings/weekends
We offer a fantastic package of staff benefits including:
- Hybrid working arrangements with blended approach of office and home working
- 35 days annual leave entitlement
- Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous pension scheme (LGPS)
- Employee Discounts Scheme
- Onsite fitness facilities
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Support for continuous professional development
- Flexible working opportunities available
- Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme, launching in 2026
About Us
Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK’s leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing. Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas. A passionate and innovative business culture and exceptional support networks make Hartpury an ideal career choice.
Hartpury is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We particularly welcome applicants that we are underrepresented in, including those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities, and those living with disabilities. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion we offer a range of inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and a multi-faith space to support staff from different backgrounds. To find out more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, please click here.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Click the button below to apply online or telephone (01452) 702135 to request documents by post.
Click here to view the person specification and job description
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 3rd July 2026
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 14th July 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before the specified closing date should we receive sufficient applications or in order to respond to business needs. In order to avoid missing an opportunity to apply please submit your application as early as possible.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.
