Head of Study Programme

Head of Study Programme

Reports to: Executive director (ED)

Direct reports: Education programme manager, exam and research paper (RP) coordinator, North America administrator, Australasia administrator

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000, depending on experience

Application process:

• Apply with a covering letter and CV, outlining how your skills and experience apply to those outlined in the role description
• Apply by: 7 December (midnight, UK time)
• Phone interviews: W/C 8 December
• Final interview: 18 December

Scope of the Role

The head of study programme is responsible for the global delivery of the Master of Wine (MW) study programme and examinations. Within that remit they are responsible for building the membership of the Institute by attracting high calibre potential members and supporting them through the process of becoming Masters of Wine.

The head of study programme oversees a team of five, works with a global network of MWs and students and is a member of the IMW's senior management team.

The role requires regular travel and working during evening/weekends to attend and oversee the events related to the MW study programme (introductory courses, seminars, trips).

Team management

• Management of a team of fiver and line management of a team of four including conducting performance reviews, providing feedback and support.
• Ensuring cross-team planning and collaboration so that deadlines are shared and pressure is managed well over the team

Stakeholder management

• Works with and coordinates highly engaged, volunteer Masters of Wine in all aspects of the study programme and exam.
• Maintains strong relationships with the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) supporters and, where relevant, provides them with opportunities to contribute to the MW study programme.
• Works with supporters and sponsors and other contributors to develop opportunities for MW students (such as scholarships) and oversee the implementation of these opportunities.
• Develops a strong understanding of the student body and their perceptions of the programme and exam.
• Manages MW candidates' expectations globally.

Study programme

• Ensures effective delivery of all study programme events, including course days and seminars.
• Attends seminars globally every year.
• Works closely with the study programme committee (SPCom) to continually improve the MW study programme.
• Main escalation point for students with complaints, issues or requests for special consideration.
• Represents the IMW at study programme events and in webinars to students.
• Ensure that the programme is delivered on time and to budget.
• In collaboration with education programme manager, have oversight of all communication with students, making sure that expectations are clear and well understood.

Recruitment and admissions

• Work with the marketing and events manager to oversee the marketing and communication of education programme across all channels.
• Oversight of recruitment and admissions process, supporting education programme manager to ensure that the process is efficient and effective.
• With education programme manager, supports admissions committee (AdCom) to recruit strong candidates to the MW study programme.

Examination

• Oversees the work of the exam and RP coordinator to ensure the effective, high-quality delivery of the annual examinations (stage one assessment, stage two exam and research paper).
• Final quality assurance of all examination-related administration, including: production of examination papers, distribution of scripts, exam software set up, results, announcement, etc.
• Producing reports on final exam results for exam and study programme board (ESPB), chief examiner and ED.
• Ensures that exam policies and procedures are up-to-date, understood and implemented consistently across all regions, including oversight of the appeals process.
• Ensures any examination software functions appropriately.

Wine procurement and management

• Working alongside education officer, procure wines required for the MW study programme on a yearly basis, ensuring good value for money.
• Ensure operation efficiency in wine procurement, storage and shipping, making sure that wines arrive promptly and in good condition.

Software and technology

• Responsible for maintenance of IMW's student database and ensuring clean and accurate data entered for all students both present and historical.
• Accountable for effective use of technology at all student events.
• Developing systems that improve student experience.
• Working with communications team, ensuring the student website is kept up to date and is easy to use and navigate.
• Working with operations manager, accountable for continuous improvement of the use of software used to manage the study programme.
• Ensuring team are well trained in how to use relevant technology.

Budgets

• Working with the finance team, sets and agrees the yearly budget.
• Manages the budget for study programme and exam, ensuring careful financial management.
• Working with operations manager, increase operational and budgetary efficiencies to ensure that study programme can manage costs over the longer term.

Committees

• Sits on, and secretariat to ESPB, ensuring that they are well supported to set the overall study programme strategy, and make continual improvement.
• Sit on other relevant committees: Admissions committee (AdCom) education committee (EdCom) and the examination committee (ExamCom).
• Facilitates the efficient operation of all committees listed above.

Continuous Improvement

• In collaboration with ED and operations manager, recommends and implements changes in the delivery of the study programme to improve quality of delivery.
• Takes technical lead on developing the education and examination strategy.
• Keeps the Institute up to date with education and examination best practices.
• Ensures that policies and procedures are developed to respond to global changes.
• Works with the ED to maintain the Institute's relevance to the global wine industry.
• Identifies policy areas relating to the study programme or the examination that need development and to develop new or improved policies.
• In collaboration with operations manager, improves use of software and technology.

The head of study programme will also support across wider IMW projects where required.

Person specification

• Significant experience leading complex educational programmes or examinations delivered across multiple locations.
• Significant experience of stakeholder management working with high-level, industry leading experts in a creative and engaging way.
• Proven track record of delivering complex and multifaceted projects on time and within budget.
• Experience of managing successful teams within dynamic and changing environments.
• High level data analysis skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative.
• Experience of working and travelling internationally.
• Experience of using the latest technology to enhance educational delivery.
• An effective communicator with the ability to adapt style to suit audience.
• High degree of emotional and cultural intelligence, diplomacy and organisational awareness.
• The ability to motivate and enthuse colleagues and stakeholders in meeting high standards and delivering client focused outcomes.
• Ability to respond to challenges, create and implement novel solutions.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• An interest in the world of wine and a passion for high-quality learning outcomes.
• The desire to strive towards and maintain outstanding standards for the Institute
• Experience within the wine industry is not required for this role, however a genuine interest in the subject is essential.
• A second language is desirable.

How to Apply

Click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please upload your CV and a cover letter. The closing date for applications is Sunday 7th December 2025.