Location:

Cardiff, United Kingdom
Salary:

$125,999 - $210,000 / YEAR
Job type:

FULL_TIME
Posted:

2 weeks ago
Category:

Information and Communication Technology
Deadline:

05/12/2025

JOB DESCRIPTION

Director of Quality & Planning

Salary: Competitive

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: IB (International Baccalaureate®) Global Centre, Cardiff or Washington DC

Hybrid working opportunity

About the Job

The Director of Quality & Planning reports to the Chief Assessment & Operations Officer and is responsible for leading and managing three functions within the Assessment and Operations Office: Planning & Analysis, Quality, and Continuous Improvement & Implementation.

The Director provides strategic leadership to a functional department of circa 28 employees and is a strategic partner to the Assessment and Operations Office, which comprises approximately 408 employees. This role is also part of the Assessment and Operations Office Leadership Team.

Overall, the Director plays a crucial role in driving operational excellence, identifying and delivering efficiencies in all areas of Assessment & Operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: 

Develop and execute the strategic vision for Planning & Analysis, Quality, and Continuous Improvement & Implementation functions. 
Align departmental goals with the overall objectives of the Assessment and Operations Office and the organization. 
Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the Assessment and Operations Office.

Lead Planning & Analysis: 

Overall accountability for capacity planning, resource efficiency, and forecasting to ensure optimal operational performance. 
Accountable for data analysis efforts to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
Ensure robust business continuity planning and reporting mechanisms are established and maintained.
Foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning within the team.

Lead Quality

Direct root cause analysis and quality assurance activities to maintain high standards of operational excellence.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives and process optimization, driving efficiency and effectiveness across the Assessment and Operations Office.
Overall accountability for compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies, mitigating risks wherever possible.
Relationships with outsourced partners are managed to ensure quality and efficiency.

Lead Continuous Improvement & Implementation

Lead Assessment and Operations focused transformations and change management initiatives, exploring and implementing innovative solutions to enhance operations and quality. 
Lead the adoption of new technologies, processes, and methodologies within the Assessment and Operations Office.
Ensure effective communication and training during the implementation of change initiatives.

Team Management: 

Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team.
Set performance objectives, conduct regular reviews and 1:1s, and provide feedback to team members. 
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement: 

Collaborate with other departments and senior leadership to ensure alignment and support for Assessment and Operations initiatives. 
Act as a key point of contact for operational issues, providing expert advice and solutions. 
Represent the Assessment and Operations Office in cross functional projects and initiatives, advocating for operational excellence.

Requirements and Qualifications

About You

An MBA or a Degree in a relevant field.
Substantial experience in a similar role within an assessment delivery organization.
Deep understanding and experience of strategic planning and execution.
Excellent knowledge of best practices in operational efficiency.
Expertise in quality assurance, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Expert knowledge with change management principles and the adoption of new technologies and processes.
Knowledge of change management software and tools (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR).
Comprehensive knowledge of industry regulations and organizational policies.
Extensive experience in leading data analysis efforts to drive operational improvements.
Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI).
Demonstrated ability collaborating with senior leadership.
Expertise in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., PMP, Agile).
Demonstrated strong leadership capabilities with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective stakeholder engagement and team management.
Exceptional problem solving abilities to identify and address operational inefficiencies.
Flexibility and adaptability to manage change and drive innovation.

In addition to a competitive salary, we offer an attractive range of regional benefits including:

For UK employees:

10% employer pension contribution with a 3% employee contribution
Annual pay review with bonus eligibility
Enhanced family friendly benefits
30 Days annual leave, plus public holidays
Life assurance 4x annual salary
Flexible working hours (core hours are 10am-12pm and 2pm-3pm), 37.5 hours per week
Paid volunteering leave (one day per calendar year)
Flexible benefits allowance equivalent to 1.5% of Annual Salary to spend on benefits or as addition to salary
Excellent continuous professional development
Health and Wellness Schemes
Disability Confident Employer
Cycle to Work Scheme
Discounts on a range of products, including days out and Gym Memberships
Cash back opportunities available from a wide range of retailers
Employee Assistance Programme
Free onsite parking

For US employees:

10% employer pension contribution with a 3% employee contribution
Annual pay review with bonus eligibility
Enhanced family friendly benefits
30 Days annual leave, plus public holidays
Life assurance 4x annual salary
Paid volunteering leave
Excellent continuous professional development

Applications will be accepted until 11.55pm BST, 05 December 2025

We are committed to building a working environment that values respect, diversity, and compassion. The International Baccalaureate is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants.

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