Senior Examinations & Awards Manager

Salary:47389.00 - 56535.00 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 26 November 2025

The Role

A chance to shape the journey of every Newcastle student

You will lead the Exams & Awards Team to drive the successful delivery of some of the Universitys most high-profile moments including examinations and graduation ceremonies across all campuses. This is a chance to create meaningful experiences that resonate from the first exam to the final celebration and beyond.

Youll champion innovation and excellence ensuring that the Universitys assessment graduation and award verification services are not only rigorous and compliantbut also student-centred inclusive and memorable.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across the institution and key external partners youll play a pivotal role in enhancing the student experience and actively demonstrating the standards and values that define Newcastle University.

To apply please upload your CV and cover letter evidencing how you meet the criteria as outlined within the person specification of the job criteria.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity please reach out to Graeme Holloway Head of Registry at or Rachel Dearlove Director of Registry & Education Services at

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and develop the Universitys examinations and awards provision working with colleagues across the University to ensure the delivery of high-quality examination and award services for all students across all campuses.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of the Universitys in-person examinations and graduation ceremonies providing effective event management to ensure an outstanding student experience.
• Play a leading role in the review and development of policy and procedure relating to examinations and assessment in the University taking account of relevant quality assurance codes and ensuring that University policies comply with external requirements.
• Responsible for the Universitys processes for the secure production and dissemination of official award documentation as well the provision of an effective and efficient award verification service.
• Provide and develop advice and guidance to staff across the University regarding regulations and procedures relating to examinations and awards.
• Develop and lead training for a large team of external Examination Invigilators as well as the high number of colleagues who volunteer to marshal at the Universitys graduation ceremonies to ensure consistency of approach and the provision of high-quality and student-focussed exam and graduation experiences.
• Collaborate with the Universitys Disability Support Team regarding the policies and procedures for the provision of alternative examination arrangements for students ensuring that these align with the Universitys commitment to equality diversity and inclusivity as well as with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Manage contracts and relationships with external suppliers providing commercial services to graduates attending graduation ceremonies. Ensure suppliers provide excellent value for money customer service and innovation and that their operations meet the Universitys health and safety requirements.
• Lead the continued development of the systems owned and operated by the Examinations & Awards Team to ensure they are fit for purpose effective and futureproof.
• Responsible for the management of student academic misconduct cases relating to examinations; and support other complex student casework in as required. Ensure fairness integrity and compassion in determining outcomes and that cases are handled promptly and in accordance with procedures.
• Assist the Head of Registry with the proactive management of budget and staffing resources related to examinations and awards including overseeing the payment rates for Examination Invigilators and External Examiner fees and expenses and the income and expenditure for graduation events.
• Any other duties consistent with the posts grade as requested by the Academic Registrar Director of Registry & Education Services and Head of Registry.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable experience of student administration processes within a higher education institution and an understanding of the main activities within the student life-cycle.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of higher education policies and procedures relating to assessment and awards as well as the current regulatory context.
• Demonstrable experience in leading a team and staff management with an ability to motivate self and others to achieve high standards.
• Outstanding planning and organisational skills and a proven track record of delivering large-scale or high-profile events.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills including highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong influencing and collaboration skills with the ability to negotiate agreements with senior managers and key stakeholders.
• Excellent IT skills across a wide range of applications and databases including Microsoft applications and ability to use Excel to manipulate large data sets.
• Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines whilst managing a complex and varied workload.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Embraces and initiates change and commitment to continuous quality improvement.
• Proven track record of working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels across a large organisation.
• Confidence to advise students and staff on matters of regulation and procedure train others lead workshops and present to an audience.
• Strong commitment to data accuracy integrity and security.
• Demonstrates a proactive creative and positive approach to problem solving and issue-resolution.
• A clear commitment to delivering equality diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a goldAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID:28785

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