Purpose of Position
The QA and Enhancement Manager leads the operational delivery of quality assurance and enhancement activities across Innopharma, working under the direction of the Director of Academic Affairs. This role is central to ensuring Innopharma meets its obligations under the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) statutory framework and adheres to national and European standards for higher education quality.
The role supports effective institutional decision-making by managing data-driven initiatives that enhance programme quality, the learner experience, and organisational effectiveness. The Manager will promote a culture of continuous quality improvement, academic excellence, and institutional accountability.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage QQI action plans, relationships, engagement and reporting, including annual reporting (AQRs) and responses to cyclical institutional reviews (CINNTE).
- Oversee Innopharma's Programme Lifecycle Management structure, including internal and external programme validation, annual monitoring, revalidation and/or retirement processes.
- Support the development, implementation and management of Innopharma's quality assurance and enhancement policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with QQI and ESG standards.
- Lead quality enhancement initiatives across academic and support units, including overseeing cyclical review of administrative/support services.
- Promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making by managing the collection, analysis, and reporting of programme quality data.
- Advise the Director of Academic Affairs and senior leadership on institutional effectiveness and quality assurance matters.
- Support academic governance, risk and planning processes overseen by Academic Council and its sub-committees.
- Serve as a key liaison with QQI and other regulatory agencies.
- Collect, analyse, and report on key academic quality metrics.
- Provide staff training and promote student-centred institutional policies and practices.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- A Level 9 or higher qualification (e.g., Master's or Doctorate) in a relevant discipline is essential.
- A minimum of 5 years' experience in quality assurance in higher education or academic governance.
- Proven success in internal and/or external quality assurance processes at the programme, school, or institutional level.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate evidence-based, data-informed decision-making that enhances academic quality and institutional effectiveness.
- Significant experience using data analysis and reporting tools to support strategic planning and programme evaluation.
- Proven ability to build trust and collaborate effectively across institutional teams and with external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
- Active participation in professional quality assurance networks or forums is desirable.
- Excellent leadership, communication, organisational, and project management skills.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Leadership and Vision: Shapes and delivers strategic initiatives aligned with national and institutional priorities; fosters a culture of continuous improvement and academic excellence.
- Quality Assurance and Regulatory Expertise: Expert knowledge of the QQI statutory framework and European Standards and Guidelines (ESG); demonstrated success in developing and implementing robust QA systems.
- Institutional Effectiveness and Data-Informed Practice: Leads initiatives that promote data-informed planning, evaluation, and quality enhancement; synthesises complex data into actionable insights.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Builds effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory agencies; acts as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and governance bodies.
- Governance and Policy Development: Advises and supports academic governance structures; develops institutional policies that align with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Project and Change Management: Successfully leads strategic and cross-functional quality enhancement initiatives; skilled in managing change and institutional reviews.
- Analytical and Technological Proficiency: Strong command of data systems and tools; communicates insights clearly to support strategic decisions and quality assurance.
- Communication and Capacity Building: Communicates persuasively across all levels of the institution; designs and delivers training to embed a quality-focused culture.
Pay: €55,000.00-€80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sandyford, County Dublin
