Senior Manager, Executive Planning and Governance (IELTS)

About IDP

IDP is the global leader in international education services, delivering global success to students, test takers and our partners, through trusted human relationships, digital technology and customer research. An Australian-listed company, we operate in more than 50 countries around the world.

Our team is comprised of over 7,000 people of various nationalities, ages and cultural backgrounds. Proudly customer-first, our expert people are powered by global technology. Together, we offer unmatched services, helping local dreams become realities, all over the world.

Learn more at www.careers.idp.com

Why this role matters

We are seeking a Senior Manager-Executive Planning & Governance (IELTS) to play a crucial role in supporting the global IELTS leadership team. This position will be instrumental in steering strategic planning, governance frameworks, and leadership operating rhythms within a complex and geographically dispersed leadership structure spanning the UK and Australia.

Located in our London office and reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will serve as the driving force behind IELTS leadership coordination. Your role will ensure that priorities are clearly aligned, informed decisions are made efficiently, and senior leadership forums function seamlessly. This position is ideal for meticulous professionals who excel at collaborating with senior executives and facilitating consensus and progress across multiple stakeholders worldwide.

This full-time permanent role represents a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of executive governance, planning, and leadership operations. It supports not only internal leadership effectiveness but also fosters productive engagement with key external partners including the British Council and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, reinforcing the collaborative nature of IELTS’s global reach.

What you'll be doing

• Take full ownership of the leadership operating rhythm by managing meeting schedules, setting agendas, and ensuring timely action on follow-ups to maintain momentum and clarity.
• Lead and refine executive planning and governance processes to create structured, aligned, and decision-oriented forums that drive effective leadership outcomes.
• Serve as a key liaison among senior stakeholders to synthesize complex information into accessible and actionable insights, enhancing communication flow and strategic alignment.
• Develop and deliver high-quality briefings, reports, and leadership collateral tailored for weekly and monthly leadership forums, supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Facilitate active participation in critical IELTS governance forums, including involvement in the Executive Committee, ensuring governance standards and expectations are met.
• Work collaboratively to enhance team effectiveness across senior leadership groups, fostering alignment on strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate cross-functional projects, managing risk assessment, tracking dependencies, and monitoring progress to ensure initiatives stay on course and deliver intended benefits.
• Build strong partnerships with Finance Business Partners to assist with detailed reporting and performance analysis, enabling informed financial oversight and resource allocation.
• Collaborate closely with transformation and change management teams to embed best practice methodologies and facilitate continuous improvement in leadership operations.

What we are looking for

• Demonstrated experience in roles focused on executive planning, governance frameworks, leadership operations, or comprehensive project delivery.
• Ability to effectively engage and build strong working relationships with senior stakeholders, balancing multiple and sometimes competing priorities with tact and diplomacy.
• Exceptional organisational aptitude with an unwavering attention to detail, ensuring precision in documentation, scheduling, and communication.
• Highly skilled at translating complex, multifaceted information into clear and concise executive-level insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Confidence and capability in facilitating leadership meetings and acting as a coordinator to streamline operations across diverse leadership teams.
• Exemplary judgement, discretion, and professionalism at all times, respecting the confidentiality and sensitivity of executive discussions.
• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard tools such as PowerPoint and Excel, enabling the creation of impactful presentations and robust analysis.

Why join us

Joining IDP means engaging with a globally impactful product – IELTS – where your contribution directly influences the efficiency and effectiveness of senior leadership and strategic governance.

This hybrid role, situated in our London office, offers the balance of in-person collaboration (three days per week) with remote working flexibility, supporting rich teamwork across multifunctional groups.

If you are motivated by the opportunity to empower leaders, optimize complex operating environments, and enhance governance practices with structured influence, this role presents a distinctive platform for professional growth and impact in a renowned international organisation.