Chief Executive Officer | Gateway Qualifications

This role is for a leader of vision, integrity and commitment to education. The role will be for a dynamic individual who can set the strategic direction for the Awarding Organisation at a time of change and challenge in the post-16 education landscape.

About the role.

Gateway Qualifications is committed to making a difference in the world of education, ensuring high-quality learning opportunities for all individuals. With an established national presence, we are seeking a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead us on the next stage of our journey.

As a leader in the education sector, Gateway Qualifications is committed to bridging the gap between employers and education through our Recognised Centres. Our dedication to excellence drives us to innovate, transform, and serve our charitable cause with unwavering passion.

As we approach the culmination of our current strategic plan and set our sights on the future with our upcoming strategy plan for 2025-2028, we seek a CEO who shares our values and vision. The CEO will play a pivotal role in steering our organisation towards continued success, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies while spearheading innovative initiatives that empower learners to excel in their education and careers.

The CEO will be at the forefront of driving Gateway Qualifications’ strategic direction and operational excellence, leading the way in developing and implementing overarching visions and objectives in alignment with the Board of Trustees. Navigating the complex educational landscape with innovative responses, they will ensure sustainable growth while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

Overseeing the transformation and change programme, the CEO will drive forward the corporate strategic plan to exceed expectations. Additionally, they will lead the Senior Leadership Team, creating a culture of high performance and continuous improvement. As the face of Gateway Qualifications, the CEO will represent and promote the organisation with key stakeholders, government bodies, and strategic influencers, shaping policies and initiatives to advance education and widen participation. This is an unparalleled opportunity for a visionary leader to make a tangible impact on the future of education and workforce development.

Who we are looking for.

Gateway Qualifications is searching for a dynamic CEO who embodies strategic acumen and possesses a profound understanding of the education and skills landscape. The right candidate will position us as a leading voice in education, working hand in hand with our Recognised Centres to drive regional and national efforts in skills development and create opportunities for learners everywhere.

We are seeking a visionary leader who can navigate the complexities of skills and provider sectors with ease, leveraging their knowledge to position Gateway Qualifications as a trailblazer in education.
As CEO, you will be able to demonstrate a deep commitment to our mission and values, as evidenced by a track record of driving positive change in education. You should possess substantial experience in strategic leadership roles within customer-facing and quality-driven environments, with a proven ability to develop and implement long-term corporate strategies.

Moreover, you should exhibit commercial prowess and an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of driving growth in a competitive and highly regulated environment. Your leadership should enable the cultivation of strategic partnerships and collaborations, furthering our impact and reach within the education sector.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of post-16 skills reforms, education policy, and the broader skills landscape. Strong insights into the regulatory requirements of awarding bodies, including Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) will be invaluable in guiding our operations and strategic direction.

We seek a CEO who embraces diversity and equity, demonstrating a personal commitment to achieving these principles in service delivery and people management. Your ability to build productive relationships with stakeholders in the learning and skills sector will be instrumental in driving regional and national efforts in skills development and creating meaningful opportunities for learners across the nation.