Head of Modern Languages

The Company

Established in 1912, we are amongst the world's oldest English language schools. Many thousands of satisfied clients have trained with us over the years. They are very demanding people who have high expectations and want results. We aim to exceed those expectations. We are proud of our full house of strengths with the British Council which reflects our focus on quality and client satisfaction.

Our centre in Holland Park offers highly intensive courses for adults, that are practical and relevant. Our clients range from very senior business and professional people and VIPs to relatively young pre-experience professionals. We run group courses as well as substantial 1-1 tuition programmes and much of our work involves ESP including, for example, English for Law.

The launch of our Modern Languages courses in October 2023 is the next exciting step in our development. We plan to deliver an exceptional modern languages course programme that reflects the same high standards we have for our English courses. We are looking for the right person to join our company to be responsible for the development and delivery of this part of our business

Our Corporate/Brand Values 

All our staff demonstrate our core values – it’s what brings the magic to what we do, so the following values will need to resonate with anyone joining the team:

• We are proud of what we do
• We go the extra mile
• We communicate honestly and openly
• We innovate and improve
• We are a team; we get things done together

Job Summary 

We are looking for a motivated and experienced person to join us on a part-time, permanent basis as our Head of Modern Languages. This is a new project, and we are looking for the right person to join us in the development stages and have real input into creating the courses we plan to deliver. We are looking for an innovative person with a strategic outlook to ensure the client experience is exceptional.

You will be responsible for developing and running all aspects of the Modern Languages programme, including developing our offering, recruitment of your teams and supporting the sales team. This role requires a strong background in running Modern Languages courses, dynamic leadership skills and project management skills. The right candidate knows what quality looks like and has a passion for delivering a truly memorable experience for the course participants.

Principal responsibilities

• Ensure excellence in the provision of all teaching and training.
• Using a balance of temporary teachers and freelancers to ensure the efficiency of our provision.
• To manage quality control and compliance, including safeguarding on all Modern Languages training programmes (face to face and online).
• Creating a culture of continuous quality improvement leading to internal development and external recognition that enhances our reputation.
• Maintain an awareness of the market and consider how we can effectively market our courses.

Main duties

• To oversee and ensure the effective management and delivery of high-quality services across all face-to-face and online teaching.
• Oversee curriculum development, adapting our content in line with changing market demand.
• Select course textbooks and resources for all languages.
• Recruit and organise the onboarding of new members of staff.
• Timetable trainers and students.
• Manage enquiries, assessments, and requests for advice.
• Organise cover and catch-up lessons as required.
• Ensure that all staff are prepared and punctual for their face-to-face lessons.
• Maintain a motivated teaching workforce that’s committed to the values and success of The London School of English and always puts the client first.
• To initiate and manage a programme of continuous improvement in all programmes to meet the development targets and achieve the highest standards in all areas monitored by educational oversight bodies.
• Work with the Sales and Marketing teams to deliver programmes, and develop new products, that are both demanded by the market and academically rigorous

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential

• Right to work in the UK
• Degree
• Delta Language teaching qualification, or equivalent such as MA TESOL or MA Academic Management
• Management of / teaching or training in programmes such as Modern Languages
• A passion for delivering outstanding quality and memorable experiences.
• Proven project management experience in the education sector.
• Proven leadership skills including nurturing and developing a team.
• Exceptional organisational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with all stakeholders.


Experience and knowledge of

• The ML industry
• Educational management
• Language teaching


Desirable

• Post-graduate management qualification
• Experience of Teacher training e.g. CELTA training
• Experience of all types or provisions e.g. face to face and online teaching, tailor
made courses, groups and one to one.

Renumeration

Package: £26,000 plus pension and benefits.

Location: Holland Park W14 8DZ 4 days per week (Monday – Thursday) 1400-1900 when courses are running. Flexibility around hours and location in weeks when courses are not running.

Start date: September 2023

Applications

Please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected].

Please be aware that only candidates invited to interview will receive a response.