Rachel E Leighton

A committed and determined professional with current experience of management and administration within UK tertiary education delivered in Spain within a validating partnership. Comprehensive background in Logistics and HR, project management, man-management and administration. An experienced and competent administrator with outstanding planning and organisational skills.

Honed interpersonal and communication skills, able to communicate with work colleagues and clients at all levels. Equally effective as a team leader or team player.

Office Manager - Tertiary education, partnered with a UK university

(2016-05)

Responsible for the effective day to day administration, student services and operational coordination of the institution, providing administrative continuity and delivering consistent, professional and well-organised support to students, staff and visitors. Key responsibilities include:

• Office and Administrative operations in support of 200+ international students and 25+ staff, across a range of events, activities and workflows.
• Registrar; managing student records lifecycle from registration to graduation.
• Student Support; institutional lead fostering meaningful participation to ensure a positive student experience, alongside serving as a pastoral first point of contact and providing welfare signposting for students experiencing personal difficulties.
• Front of house; providing a welcoming and professional reception and first point of contact; receiving, responding to and directing initial enquires.
• Line management responsibility for Recruitment and Admissions, ensuring synergy of work flows and engagement to consistently convert enquiries to applicants.
• Fully knowledgeable of the Spanish study visa system, singularly responsible for advising and guiding students on visa/residency requirements and procedures.
• Specifically designated as a member of the Executive Management team to inform and shape the strategic and operational intentions of the business and the institution.

Recruitment Consultant - Recruitment Consultancy

(2014-01 - 2016-04)

Initially worked for an independently owned recruitment consultancy specialising in resourcing and placing Project Managers in the construction industry. When the owner closed down the business due to personal issues, moved seamlessly to a second recruitment consultancy, working remotely and placing non-clinical senior management within the NHS, UK. Engaged knowledgeably and individually with clients, managing accounts to solve recruitment needs, and with applicants to realise their career aspirations.

Consistently made placements and met targets.

Business Owner - CCM

(2011-03 - 2014-01)

Established curtain making and soft furnishings business catering for private clients, businesses and interior designers, specializing in bespoke hand-finished quality products.

Sabbatical

(2010-05 - 2011-02)

Moved family to Spain; renovated house; studied Spanish (Enforex, Marbella).

Major - British Army, Royal Logistic Corps (RLC)

(1994 - 2010)

Successful military career, reaching the rank of senior major, specializing in logistics and personnel management. Key career roles included:

• Senior Strategy Manager - HQ RLC: Worked directly to Head of Strategy delivering Army wide provision of specialist military logistic direction, advice and support.
• Strategic Financial and Planning Manager – HQ Army: Senior Manager responsible for Resource Management and Financial Planning (short to mid-term (3-15 years).
• HR Director - Brigade HQ Londonderry N. Ireland: HR Director in an operational headquarters responsible for all personnel and welfare policy, practices and procedures for 3000+ military and civilian personnel.
• Senior Instructor - British Army School of Logistics: responsible for the development and delivery of career development courses.
• General Manager – Operational Field Regiment: Succession of appointments and promotions, managing logistic units in UK and abroad, covering all aspects of military logistic road, air and sea movement. Variously deployed on operations in Former Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), N Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq. Direct management of 80+ staff, including career and personnel issues.

Advanced Diploma - Logistics - Institute of Logistics and Transport

Postgraduate Leadership and Management Course - Joint Services Defence Academy

Leadership and Management Course - Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

BA Hons 2:1 - History and Sociology - Warwick University