Higher Education Student Recruitment Manager

Job description

Higher Education Student Recruitment Manager
Department: Student RecruitmentSalary: £34,486 - £36,578 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Starting Salary - Appointments are normally made at the bottom of the salary scale. A higher starting salary may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Reference: REC2544 | Closing Date: Sunday 22 nd November 2026

The Opportunity

Ready to make an impact in Higher Education recruitment?

We are looking for an ambitious Higher Education Student Recruitment Manager to lead recruitment, outreach and conversion activity at Barnsley College University Centre.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver our Higher Education recruitment strategy, achieve ambitious student recruitment targets and support the sustainable growth of our University Centre.

You will lead the prospective student journey from initial enquiry through to enrolment, developing targeted activity that increases applications, offers, acceptances and enrolments.

Working closely with curriculum teams, Information, Advice and Guidance, Marketing and external partners, you will create effective progression routes and open opportunities for students, adults looking to upskill and employees seeking higher-level development.

The role will build strong strategic relationships with schools, colleges, employers, community organisations and other key stakeholders.

You will plan and evaluate recruitment events, outreach programmes and conversion campaigns, use CRM and admissions data to monitor performance, and turn insight into practical action.

You will also lead and develop the Higher Education Recruitment Team, ensuring activity is focused, collaborative and driven by measurable outcomes.

About You

You will be an experienced student recruitment professional with a strong understanding of post-16 and/or Higher Education recruitment and applicant conversion.

Confident working in a target-driven environment, you will combine excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a highly analytical approach.

You will be skilled at developing recruitment, outreach and conversion plans, managing prospective student pipelines and using CRM, admissions or management information systems to identify trends and improve performance.

You will be comfortable engaging a wide range of audiences, from prospective students and parents to employers, schools, community partners and senior colleagues.

An effective leader and project manager, you will be able to motivate and develop a team, manage competing priorities and deliver against tight deadlines.

Above all, you will be passionate about creating opportunities for students and raising the profile and future growth of Higher Education at Barnsley College University Centre.

Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.

Required

• Level 4 qualification or above in a business or related subject.

• GCSE English and math's at grade 4/C or above, or an equivalent qualification.

• Significant experience of student recruitment within post-16 and/or Higher Education.

• Experience of developing and implementing recruitment, outreach and conversion activity against measurable targets.

• Experience of analysing recruitment and conversion data, identifying trends and producing clear reports and recommendations.

• Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a range of audiences.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines.

• A customer-focused approach and the flexibility to work across locations and hours where required.

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Local Government Pension Scheme - with a generous 15.7% employer contribution!
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with on-site facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our on-site salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
• Our shared purpose - We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff
• Employees can enrol on a Barnsley College course of their choice free of charge, supporting both professional and personal development (subject to approval)

The Barnsley College Advantage

When you join us, you can expect to benefit from The Barnsley College Advantage. This is the advantage of:

• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short- and Long-Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every level
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Sunday 22 nd November 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Job Description and Person Specification

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to demonstrate this at the point of appointment. Please note that we are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position.

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

W e are committed to sustainability, embedding environmentally responsible practices across everything we do and preparing our learners for a low-carbon future. Find out more about our approach: View our Sustainability Strategy