Main duties and responsibilities

Why Join De Montfort University?

At De Montfort University (DMU), we are committed to delivering an outstanding student experience. We are seeking an experienced International Student Services Manager to provide strategic leadership and operational management of our International Student Services, including UKVI compliance, visa advice, and international student support.

This is a role at the heart of DMU’s international operations and an exciting opportunity to shape the international student services elements of the student journey. You will ensure our processes and services are future-ready and support student success at every stage, while safeguarding the University’s Student Route Sponsor Licence and ensuring that compliance, risk management, and an excellent student experience go hand in hand.

At DMU, we are proud to create a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive workplace where our staff can thrive both professionally and personally. Join a university committed to driving positive change, recognised globally as a UN Sustainable Development Goals leader, and enjoy working on a stunning campus in the heart of Leicester.

Directorate

The Registry Services Directorate is responsible for the administration of the student journey from registration to graduation, and consists of the following functions: registration, UKVI compliance, timetabling, student records, examinations, awards, and student fees.

Role

• Act as DMU’s institutional lead for Student Route sponsor compliance and the key point of contact with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of International Student Services, including Immigration Compliance, Visa Advice and International Student Support.
• Lead the University’s approach to UKVI compliance, ensuring robust policies, processes and governance that protect the sponsor licence while remaining strongly student-centred.
• Oversee audits and assurance activity (including UKVI and other external bodies), and lead institutional responses to compliance requirements.
• Work in close partnership with colleagues across the University to embed compliance throughout the student lifecycle.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, embedding a culture of professionalism, service excellence, continuous improvement and strong digital capability.
• Use insight, data and risk analysis to inform senior leaders and committees, and to shape strategic decisions about international recruitment and student support.
• Champion improvements to systems and services that enhance both the international student experience and the University’s compliance position.

Ideal candidate:

• Be educated to degree level (or equivalent), with significant leadership experience in higher education.
• Have experience of UKVI compliance, visa advice services, or related regulatory environments.
• Have substantial experience of managing teams, developing services, and leading change in a compliance-driven environment.
• Bring a strong track record in policy and process development, risk management, and cross-institutional working.
• Have excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with senior leaders and external bodies.
• Be highly organised, resilient, and comfortable operating in a high-pressure, high-accountability environment.
• Have strong digital and analytical skills, with the motivation to use systems and data to improve services and decision-making

To view the job description and person specification, please click here.

Contact

For more information, please contact Emily Maddock Khan, Head of Student Journey, at emily.maddockkhan@dmu.ac.uk