Chief Projects Officer

Ecctis is a gold-standard provider of solutions and services in international education, training, and skills, and in the development and recognition of globally portable qualifications. 
Over the past 25 years, it has become established as an internationally trusted and respected reference point for qualifications and skills standards. Ecctis also provides services for individuals who are seeking to get a job, a study place or professional rights, or to secure a UK visa or settlement in the UK, and it offers bespoke services, insights, and consultancy for third-party organisations around the world. 

Ecctis is seeking to appoint a new Chief Projects Officer (CPO) and is being assisted in this appointment process by the executive search firm Society. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CPO will oversee and direct all projects and strategic developments within the company. Their team will be focused on income generation, bringing domestic and international consultancy projects and clients into the business, as well as responding to opportunities for business development, growth, and expansion. 

Candidates should be able to demonstrate proven experience in a senior leadership role, expertise in project and programme management, and a strong understanding of the education and qualifications sector.
If you would like to find out more about this role, or have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Usma Collins at Society. 
Applications can be uploaded via Society's website. The deadline for receipt of applications is midday (GMT) on Wednesday 28th February 2024. 

Core Responsibilities 

•    leading and overseeing all Ecctis research, consultancy, business development and projects activity, ensuring best-in-class reporting, processes and systems; 

•    support the co-owners to deliver quality work that enhances Ecctis’ corporate positioning and brand;

•    providing day-to-day strategic leadership across the business, aligning objectives with operational imperatives;

•    crafting and overseeing the implementation of organisational strategy on project portfolio development and delivery;

•    leading the company-wide provision of project management support and professional guidance;

•    leading on all business development, including mergers and acquisitions;

•    leading and driving service and product innovation, generating intellectual property which supports the growth and expansion of the business;

•    leading the development of the Global Skills and Migration Institute;

•    supporting the development of the revised Strategic Plan, including the preparation of operational plans and budgets against different future scenarios for the business;

•    fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and excellence in operational delivery;

•    managing, developing and leading high performing teams and individuals, supporting both the personal and professional development of individuals;

•    ensuring EOT/ Board / SLT business plans are executed (on time and on budget);

•    deputising for the CEO as required, both internally and externally;

•    overseeing dynamic and client-focussed research and enabling the development and usage of global stakeholder networks;

•    building an outstanding Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) and research function, with data visualisation services, linked to transnational education and global migration patterns;

•    contributing to Ecctis’ ‘digital first’ plans, and ensuring efficiencies are driven by the adoption of suitable workplace technologies that drive superior customer-centric interactions, including the use of AI, always with a human touch; 

•    ensuring the output, through a range of media, of timely and engaging communications materials e.g. informative publications, promotion of research work, and thought leadership.