Programme Lead STEM

23 October 2026

Academic

Belfast

The Programme Lead provides academic leadership for the effective delivery, quality and continuous improvement of designated programmes within the Centre.

Working closely with the Centre Director and academic team, the Programme Lead is responsible for ensuring that programmes are delivered coherently and consistently, meet agreed academic and quality standards, and support strong student engagement, achievement, completion and progression.

The postholder will provide day-to-day academic oversight of programme delivery, curriculum and assessment, use academic and student performance data to identify areas for improvement, and coordinate appropriate academic responses. They will support teaching staff in maintaining high standards of teaching, learning and assessment and contribute actively to the Centre's academic quality assurance and enhancement processes.

The Programme Lead will normally undertake teaching alongside their leadership responsibilities, with teaching allocation balanced appropriately to ensure sufficient capacity to fulfil the academic leadership requirements of the role.

• Provide day-to-day academic leadership for designated programmes and act as the principal academic point of coordination for the programme team.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive working environment that enhances the quality of the student learning experience and the teaching–learning environment.
• Inspire and motivate teaching staff to deliver high-quality learning and actively contribute to programme development and enhancement.
• Plan staffing requirements in advance and work with the Centre Director to ensure programmes are appropriately resourced, with recruitment activity conducted in line with corporate policies and standards.
• Assist the Centre Director in monitoring and managing staff performance, including annual observations and performance reviews, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Contribute to the strategic development and longer-term planning of the programme portfolio.
• Support the induction of new teaching staff and provide ongoing academic guidance and support.
• Work with the Centre Director to contribute to professional development planning for Centre teaching staff.

• Plan, coordinate and manage the delivery of a coherent suite of high-quality modules that support student progression targets and satisfaction.
• Work with the Centre management team to ensure the programme meets agreed strategic and operational objectives.
• Ensure programme curricula and modules are aligned with partner University standards and requirements to facilitate progression and achievement.
• Work with relevant colleagues to ensure timetables are effective, deliverable, and aligned with module descriptors, keeping stakeholders appropriately informed.
• Ensure the design, delivery, marking and moderation of assessments are fair, transparent, and aligned with programme learning outcomes and level descriptors.
• Lead annual module evaluation processes, analysing feedback to inform curriculum enhancement and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to Annual Programme Monitoring and support action planning and follow-up.
• Assist the Centre Director in preparing for and implementing programme-level change, including new modules where required.
• Ensure assessment, progression and reporting deadlines are met, and that accurate academic records are maintained and shared with the academic administrator.
• Ensure appropriate cover arrangements are in place when tutors are absent, maintaining continuity of delivery.

• Ensure attendance and engagement monitoring processes are followed consistently, working with tutors to address concerns promptly.
• Monitor student academic progress and attainment, initiating interventions where required to support successful progression.
• Work collaboratively with academic and student support teams to identify and address barriers to student success.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes student confidence, belonging and achievement.

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with key academic contacts at the partner University to support programme quality, alignment and progression.
• Ensure effective communication and…