MISSION STATEMENT

Move Language Ahead is committed to providing industry leading safe, educational, and cultural programmes to students from around the world.

Students, families, and agents from around the world have chosen MLA for the quality of our language courses, for the established trust of our brand, and for the meticulous attention to detail in our packages. The MLA formula for a summer centre is a unique blend of many full-day and half-day excursions, an amazing activity programme and specialised language path. In this way we have broken the barriers of the traditional summer language course.

MLA WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk. All students should expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student and the organisation takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and to uphold their rights.

MLA staff working with young learners will all go through our safer recruitment process including online or face-to- face interviews, record checks of references and background checks, in line with the country’s regulations, to ensure they are able to work with young people, provide evidence of qualifications and work experience as part of the process and according to our Safeguarding Policy, Preventing Sexual Harassment and Prevent Policy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Responsible for the activity and excursion programme for international students and for the Activity Leaders

• Full-time summer employment from mid-June – mid-August
• Responsible for the overall management of the ESL summer camp programming
• Represent MLA values
• Reports to Operations Manager
• 6 working days per week
• 1 day off per week
• Residential employment includes all meals and accommodation

(Possibility of extension in some centres (starting in June and/or finishing mid-August)

 

The Centre Director is the senior on-site manager responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and successful delivery of the MLA Move Language Ahead Summer Programme at an assigned centre. The role ensures the highest standards of student welfare, safeguarding, academic delivery, and operational management, while maintaining full compliance with MLA policies, host institution regulations, and local legal requirements.

The Centre Director provides strategic and operational leadership to all centre staff and acts as the primary point of contact between MLA Head Office, students, staff, host institutions, and external stakeholders. This role is critical to ensuring a safe, enriching, and high-quality educational and cultural experience for international students.

EQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland). If you’re based outside the UK, also a Criminal Record Check form your country of residence
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.
• Be proficient in the use of IT
• Experience working with international students and multicultural teams
• Experience liaising with host institutions or accommodation providers
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice
•  

Desirable

• Summer School experience in the UK or in Ireland.
• Proven experience in a senior management role within a summer school, international education, or residential programme
• Prior experience overseeing a strict operating budget
• First Aid certificate
• Teaching, academic management, or EFL/ESL background
• Demonstrated experience in safeguarding, student welfare, and pastoral care

Person Specification

• Strong leadership and people-management skills
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage complex operations in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of professionalism, resilience, and flexibility

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries
• Ability to establish excellent relationships with our clients and service providers, especially the Group Leaders bringing students from abroad
• Team player
• Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance to students
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal)
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour
• Ability to motivate and inspire a team under pressure and lead by example
• Positive outlook
• Enthusiasm and creativity
• Passion for working with youth
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to multi-task
• Attention to detail
• Aptitude to effectively use Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to be pleasant, polite, and cooperative

 

SCHEDULE

As a Centre Director you’ll enjoy a dynamic and flexible work schedule designed to meet the exciting demands of our programme. Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours. Evening, weekend, and on-call duties are required.

Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week. At the end of every week, you’ll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours to ensure everything is accurately recorded.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Complete all required, paid training/induction meetings prior to and during the programme.
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the programme.
• Assume full responsibility for the planning, organisation, and daily operation of the summer programme centre.
• Review risk assessments and monitor that the are carried out effectively.
• Provide clear leadership, direction, and support to all academic, welfare, and operational staff.
• Foster a professional, inclusive, and positive working environment aligned with MLA values.
• Ensure the centre operates efficiently, safely, and in line with agreed budgets and resources.
• Use the MLA software effectively.

• Maintain a clean, organised and professional Centre Office.
• Work with the management team and Head Office to ensure all day-to-day centre operations and programme components are properly planned and delivered.
• Attend meetings with Group Leaders and MLA Managers.

• Ensure the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all students at all times.
• Implement and enforce MLA safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and behaviour policies.
• Respond effectively to student welfare concerns, incidents, medical issues, and emergencies.
• Liaise with parents/guardians, agents, and Head Office regarding serious welfare or disciplinary matters.
• Ensure appropriate supervision ratios and duty cover are maintained at all times.
• Oversee the academic programme in collaboration with academic management staff.
• Lead the recruitment, induction, training, and ongoing support of centre staff.
• Manage staff rotas, duty schedules, and time off in line with operational needs.
• Conduct regular staff meetings, briefings, and performance check-ins.
• Address staff conduct, performance, and disciplinary matters professionally and promptly.
• Ensure all staff comply with safeguarding requirements, codes of conduct, and role expectations.

• Be sensitive to staff needs and feedback, and ensure they are being heard and addressed.

• Promote the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the  Safeguarding Policy

Training & CPD

· Complete all required pre-employment training

· Attend the in-person induction training and take an active part in discussions

· Read and understand MLA policies sent during the recruitment process

· Read, understand and adhere to the guidelines set out in your Handbook

· Be open to feedback during appraisals and set your own developmental goals for you to work on during your time with MLA

· Request guidance on and actively seek professional development to improve your skills

· Work with the MLA Management Team in designing necessary on-site training

· Carry out inductions and training for staff

• Carry out two staff appraisals in line with the MLA guidelines

Amministrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, including attendance, welfare notes, and incident reports
• Ensure timely completion and submission of all required reports to MLA Head Office
• Oversee arrival and departure documentation, rooming lists, registers, and duty logs
• Ensure safeguarding, medical, and incident documentation is completed correctly and stored securely
• Monitor staff records, rotas, timesheets, and duty schedules
• Ensure risk assessments, health and safety checks, and compliance documentation are completed and filed
• Maintain clear communication records with parents/guardians, agents, and partners where required
• Support Head Office audits, reviews, and quality assurance processes
• Ensure centre documentation is accurate, professional, and reflective of MLA standards
• Monitor the preparation of the site to include creation of bulletin boards, signage, itineraries, welcome packets, and activity programmes
• Montitor the Centre Noticeboard providing accurate information and announcements to Group Leaders and students
• Monitor Airport Transfer Check within the MLA software to ensure all airport transfers have been booked and confirmed correctly
• Assist in the sending of Centre SMS from the MLA software to Group Leaders and students including but not limited to Parent Arrival, Group Leader Arrival, Parent Departure, and Group Leader Departure notifications
• Attend regular staff meetings to maintain good communication and positive morale

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the  Safeguarding Policy
• Constantly monitor student and staff safety and welfare, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively
• Assist the Centre Director and Welfare Manager with communicating to staff and guests site-specific emergency evacuation and preparedness plans
• Maintain 24-hour on-call emergency assistance for the centre
• Address any guest or staff concerns and properly document and report concerns
• Be aware of any specific safeguarding needs of minors (those under the age of 18)
• Company Quality Performance
• Work with the Centre Director to ensure that what has been sold to the guests is being provided by the centre
• Participate in a comprehensive Centre induction to all new guests within 24-hours of arrival
• Follow-up with MLA Activity Staff to verify all guest inquiries are handled promptly and effectively

Liaising

• Develop a good business relationship with the college/university
• Provide support for all direct reports and subordinates when necessary
• Use company-provided communication channels for all business correspondences including company email and phone
• Develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders
• Support MLA Managers at other centres when required

MANAGEMENT OF THE CENTRE

• Oversee the daily operation of the centre, ensuring all academic, welfare, and operational activities run smoothly
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional Centre Office
• Coordinate centre schedules, timetables, and staffing to meet programme requirements
• Manage centre resources, facilities, and budgets responsibly
• Ensure consistent implementation of MLA policies, procedures, and quality standards
• Oversee the efficient completion of all duties of all staff
• Review all details pertaining to the day-to-day Centre operations and ensure all programme components are properly planned and delivered
• Work in conjunction with the Director of Studies to confirm the tuition programme is running in accordance with company standards
• Hold a minimum of two meetings with Group Leaders to be sure they are fully aware of their responsibilities and to ensure their needs and those of their students are being met
• Hold regular meetings with Campus Partners which may include Conference Services, Dining Services, and Public Safety to ensure the programme is running smoothly and the contract is being upheld
• Monitor centre performance and address issues proactively and effectively
• Lead regular staff meetings and briefings to ensure clear communication across teams
• Promote a positive, professional, and inclusive centre culture
• Act as the final decision-maker on operational matters at centre level

 

COMPENSATION

Residential Activity Manager GBP 720 weekly. Holiday pay (12.07%) will be added to rates. Inclusive of holiday pay up to GBP 807 weekly

• Paid training and induction.
• Work as part of a strong team and gain experience
• Opportunities for professional development e.g. appraisals, opportunities for promotion
• Complimentary room and full board as part of the compensation package

 

MLA REPUTATION AND CODE OF CONDUCT

• MLA Staff Code of Conduct
• To actively support MLA in its mission to provide quality learning
• To provide courses that will challenge the students (realise their potential) and work together to reach their academic targets and support them
• To comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner
• To be dressed in a presentable professional way and always start on time and if this is not possible to inform your manager as early as possible
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible
• There is a specific list of what code of conduct we expect from all staff members in our Staff Handbook

 

MLA EQUALITY STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non-job related criteria.