Professional English Centre Manager

Job Description

The following duties provide a general outline only and may need to be revised in order to meet the changing needs of the service.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the effective running of the Professional English Department.
2. Provide exceptional customer service to clients of the Professional English Department and ensure high quality, professional delivery.
3. Work in partnership with the Sales and Marketing team to support new business opportunities and the development and retention of existing clients.
4. Contribute operational and programme expertise to proposals, client meetings and business development activity led by the Sales and Marketing teams.
5. Identify opportunities to enhance, extend or improve existing Professional English programmes and relationships, sharing these opportunities with the relevant Sales colleague.
6. Collaborate with internal teams to develop and deliver customised training packages, including 1:1 classes, group lessons, and bespoke courses.
7. Monitor client satisfaction and feedback, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and sharing outcomes with relevant stakeholders.
8. Foster a collaborative, inclusive and professional culture within the Professional English Centre through clear communication, visible leadership and effective partnership working with teachers, the Operations Manager and the English academic management team.
9. In collaboration with the Operations Manager, lead and enhance the student journey from pre-arrival to post-departure.
10. Enhance the reputation of International House London and raise the profile of both IH London and IHWO, particularly its expertise in academic and corporate language training.
11. Enhance the department’s market presence and raise the profile of IH London in professional training circles, in collaboration with the Marketing team.
12. Be fully compliant with all Safeguarding requirements and responsibilities.

Main Duties:

1. Operations and Delivery

1. Oversee the effective delivery of Professional English programmes, working closely with the Operations Manager on timetabling, resource planning and operational coordination.
2. Be part of the team that develops and maintains high-quality, academically rigorous, and profitable Professional Language programmes.
3. Work closely with the Operations Manager and English academic management team to ensure effective teacher matching, balancing client needs, teacher expertise, operational requirements and continuity wherever possible.
4. Ensure regular communication with teachers regarding programme delivery, operational developments and Centre priorities through meetings, briefings and timely updates.
5. Conduct pre-course consultations and needs analyses with clients, identifying language, communication and organisational objectives, and work with the Operations Manager and academic team to ensure programmes are designed and delivered to meet those needs.
6. Collaborate with the Operations Manager to onboard new clients, tailoring operational support to their needs.
7. Stay up-to-date on current trends and methodologies in language learning, particularly within the business English field.
8. Line manage the Professional English Department Operations Manager.

2. Business Development and Client Relationships

1. Work closely with the Sales and Marketing team to provide Professional English expertise and operational insight to support the development of new opportunities and client proposals.
2. Support the development and retention of existing corporate partnerships ensuring a high-quality programme and client experience.
3. Work closely with the Marketing team to provide programme insight and content to support relevant marketing materials and campaigns.
4. Support the Sales teams with client meetings, needs analysis, programme development and proposals where Professional English expertise is required.
5. Act as the principal point of contact for the Professional English Centre, building trusted relationships with clients before, during and after their programmes.
6. Maintain a visible presence within the Centre, building positive relationships with teachers, students and clients.

Perform any other appropriate tasks required by the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Experience in centre management, operations, account management or sales, preferably within educational, professional training or service-based environments.
2. Commercially minded, with the ability to identify opportunities, develop client relationships and support sustainable growth.
3. Strong ability to build, maintain and grow relationships with corporate clients and key stakeholders.
4. Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
5. Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams, fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture.
6. Ability to communicate clearly, openly and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, fostering positive and collaborative working relationships.
7. Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
8. Ability to balance client needs, operational priorities and high-quality programme delivery with excellent customer service.
9. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
10. Ability to work independently, take initiative and collaborate effectively across teams.
11. Demonstrate sound judgement, resilience and adaptability when balancing changing client needs, operational priorities and departmental objectives.

The following skills and experience are essential:

Education

1. First Degree
2. TEFLi Qualification (CELTA or Trinity Cert) or demonstrable experience/qualification in adult education or professional training

Experience and knowledge:

1. Experienced ELT and Business / Professional English professional.
2. Excellent inter-personal and communication skills.
3. Excellent people management skills.
4. Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise
5. Ability to work flexibly and as part of a team.
6. Ability to organise and manage workload.
7. Confidence to take initiative and work autonomously.
8. Very customer-focused and service-orientated.
9. Commercially minded
10. Innovative and open to change and new initiatives.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with database management.

The following skills and experience are desirable:

1. Level 7 qualification or equivalent, i.e. Cambridge Delta, Trinity Diploma TESOL or a Master’s Degree in TESOL (applicants who are currently studying for one of these qualifications will also be considered, as will strong candidates who are open to professional development.
2. Experience of managing and supporting experienced ELT professionals.
3. A specialist qualification in teaching business English such as the Cert IBET.
4. Experience of working in a client-focused, needs-driven business.
5. Experience of dealing with high level and demanding clients.
6. Awareness of soft skills and wider communication skills training

Why join IH London?

1. Be part of a respected international organisation, making a global impact through education
2. 30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
3. Opportunity to grow your specialism and broaden your expertise
4. Collaborative, supportive, and purpose-driven culture
5. Great perks: Free language courses, Perks at Work, and access to the IH London staff portal
6. Enjoy working from our Covent Garden office in the heart of Central London

Apply Now

Applications will be reviewed by the relevant Hiring Manager, who will contact shortlisted candidates to arrange interviews.

Please note that if you are successful at the interview stage, all offers are subject to a right to work in the UK eligibility check and two satisfactory references.

We encourage fairness and equality in our recruitment and selection process. Our shortlisting and interviewing will be carried out by more than one person, and interview questions will be related only to the requirements of the role.

International House London’s Values:

Ethical, Inclusive, Innovative, Passionate, Professional