For over a decade, we’ve specialised in training and developing Sport and Exercise Nutritionists. As the global leader in applied, evidence-based sports nutrition education, we’ve empowered thousands of practitioners worldwide through our cutting-edge programmes, tools, and resources — all designed to bridge the gap between science and practice.
The Level 6 Programme Lead holds overall responsibility for the delivery, assessment integrity, and quality of IOPN’s Level 6 programmes, ensuring that academic standards, professional requirements, and the student experience remain at the highest level. The role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of academic quality, assessment, student support, engagement, professional partnerships and recognitions, and internal quality assurance across the Level 6 portfolio.
Initially, the role will focus on the development and launch of IOPN’s first Level 6 programme: a 60-credit qualification in Exercise Physiology for Sports Nutritionists, with responsibility expanding as the Level 6 portfolio grows and the potential to lead across the Level 5 portfolio over time.
The Level 6 Programme Lead works across internal governance, pastoral care, professional standards, and student engagement, with a strong focus on academic integrity, continuous enhancement, and stakeholder collaboration. This is a part-time position, with the potential to flex up depending on other commitments.
Key facts
- Role: Programme Lead (Level 6)
- Start date: Imminent
- Location: Remote (UK-based)
- Part time
- Position open until filled
- Reporting to: Programme Director
Essential
- Educated to Masters Degree level in a relevant field such as Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
- Experience in teaching and education at Level 5 and/or Level 6 within Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong understanding of academic pathways and progression.
- Strong understanding of Level 5/6 assessment practices.
- Prior experience in curriculum design and new programme development.
- Strong understanding of online higher education delivery.
- Proficient in using asynchronous tools such as Notion and Slack for internal collaboration and communication.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills — can communicate and articulate ideas clearly across a range of channels.
- Is a strong leader who has experience managing small teams.
- Proactive problem solver with a student-centred approach.
Desirable skills
- PhD, or PhD candidate
- Experience working in professional and/or Olympic sports.
- Prior experience liaising with external accrediting or professional bodies.
- Background in sport and exercise nutrition education.
- Graduate of the IOPN.
- Holds (or willing to obtain within one month of appointment) a recognised Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) qualification.
Key Responsibilities
Overall Programme Leadership
- Holds ultimate responsibility for programme delivery and assessment integrity across all Level 6 programmes, with scope to expand leadership across the Level 5 portfolio.
- Leads the development of new Level 6 programmes, from design through to launch and ongoing delivery.
- Ensures teaching, learning, and evaluation processes are consistent, fair, and meet regulatory and professional standards.
- Oversees and standardises assessment practices across the Level 6 portfolio.
- Manages and leads assessors and module coordinators to ensure alignment with academic quality expectations and programme standards.
Programme Development
- Leads the end-to-end design and development of new Level 6 programmes, including learning outcomes, curriculum content, assessment strategy, and programme documentation.
- Collaborates with subject matter experts, internal teams, and relevant stakeholders to ensure programmes are current, credible, and professionally relevant.
- Establishes and maintains appropriate standards and frameworks for Level 6 programme delivery as the portfolio grows.
Professional Partnerships & Recognition
- Acts as the key point of contact for professional partnerships and recognitions relevant to the Level 6 portfolio.
- Supports and manages the process of seeking professional recognition or accreditation for Level 6 programmes where appropriate.
- Ensures continued alignment with relevant professional standards and bodies, maintaining relationships with partners on an ongoing basis.
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) & Moderation
- Ensures assessment is conducted in line with best practice, monitoring assessor and module coordinator performance.
- Keeps current with IQA standards and regulatory changes.
- Conducts monitoring activities, including sampling assessment records and decisions.
- Identifies and addresses training needs for assessors and module coordinators.
- Works to ensure standardisation and continuous improvement across the Level 6 portfolio.
- Liaises with external examiners or EQA representatives as appropriate to ensure compliance and enhance assessment quality.
Lead Assessor Duties
- Liaises with the various stakeholders to determine the appropriate Assessor resource required.
- Inducts new assessors of Level 6 programmes as needed, providing regular training and support.
- Carries out assessments and grading responsibilities, and distributes workloads fairly across the team.
- Monitors assessment completion rates.
- Manages student progression through programme milestones, including orientation, module progression, and graduation.
- Recommends improvements to assessment protocols and quality control measures.
Student Management & Support
- Reviews and processes extenuating circumstances requests, coordinating with the wider team ensuring database accuracy.
- Oversees student graduations for Level 6 programmes, managing internal certificate and transcript generation.
- Inducts new students, ensuring they are welcomed, informed, and supported at the start of their studies.
- Provides pastoral support and acts as a key contact for academic wellbeing.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role via the button below: