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Higher education
recruitment services
Supporting higher education recruitment - beyond the classroom
At Sellick Partnership, we are leaders in providing tailored recruitment solutions across the higher education sector.
Our dedicated teams are passionate about ensuring that both candidates and clients find the perfect fit for their needs.
We specialise in recruiting skilled professionals who support the critical functions of higher education institutions – beyond the classroom. With over 20 years of experience, we provide recruitment solutions for finance, HR, legal, IT, and procurement roles within universities, colleges, academies, and schools across the UK.
To ensure the smooth operation of these complex organisations, they rely on highly skilled professionals to manage finances, implement HR strategies, oversee legal compliance, and drive digital transformation. At Sellick Partnership, we understand the unique challenges of higher education recruitment and are equipped to find the best candidates for non-academic roles that are critical to the success of your institution.
Hiring made simple.
Career moves made easy.
Our collaborative approach and commitment to providing an outstanding level of service to the higher education sector means we add value at every step of the recruitment process, whether you are looking for a job yourself or recruiting for your organisation.
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We don’t fill jobs, we place people. We know the success of your business depends on the quality of your team.
Submit a vacancyHigher education recruitment specialisms
Legal
Legal teams within higher education manage everything from governance and contracts to compliance and policy implementation. We place legal professionals who are experienced in working with education institutions, ensuring they are prepared to manage the sector’s needs.
Finance & Accountancy
Managing budgets, grants, and funding streams in the higher education sector requires specialist financial expertise. At Sellick Partnership, we understand the specific financial regulations and reporting standards within the education sector and can work with you for the best outcome.
HR
Human Resources is vital to managing a diverse workforce within universities and schools, ensuring staff development, well-being, and compliance with employment law. We know how important it is for HR professionals to have a deep understanding of the unique culture and staffing needs.
Technology
In an increasingly digital world, universities, colleges, and academies rely on advanced IT infrastructure to support learning, administration, and research. We understand the technological demands within the education sector, helping clients find IT experts that can enhance digital capabilities.
Procurement
Effective procurement teams ensure universities and colleges get value for money while adhering to procurement regulations. We recruit for a range of roles such as: Procurement Managers, Procurement Partners, Procurement Officers and Purchasing Officers.
Our recruitment services
No matter the type of recruitment you need, our dedicated team is here to help you find the right professionals to support your operational needs.
Permanent recruitment
Our permanent recruitment services focus on identifying professionals who are the right long-term fit for your institution. We carefully assess candidates based on their skills, experience, and ability to contribute to your organisation’s goals. By providing you with top-tier finance, HR, legal, IT, and procurement professionals, we ensure you build a stable, high-performing workforce that drives your institution's success.
Contract recruitment
When your institution faces short-term projects, unexpected staff shortages, or periods of change, our interim and contract recruitment services can quickly provide skilled professionals to step in and maintain continuity. We have a strong network of experienced interim professionals who are ready to fill urgent gaps and provide immediate impact, ensuring your operations continue smoothly.
Fixed-term recruitment
For roles that require a defined contract period, such as maternity cover, project work, or grant-funded positions, our fixed-term recruitment services offer a flexible solution. We help you find candidates who are not only capable of fulfilling the specific requirements of the role but are also committed to delivering value during their time with your institution. We have a pool of candidates that are available at short notice, that specialise in education.
Why work with Sellick Partnership?
The higher education sector presents unique recruitment challenges, particularly when it comes to recruiting and retaining top talent for non-academic roles. At Sellick Partnership, we are well-positioned to offer recruitment solutions that not only address your immediate needs but also support long-term success.
Navigating budget constraints and maximising impact
Many higher education institutions operate under strict budget constraints, making it challenging to attract and retain skilled professionals. We recognise that you need to make every hire count, ensuring that the candidates you bring on board deliver maximum value.
Addressing recruitment and retention challenges
We frequently hear from clients about two critical challenges: ineffective recruitment campaigns and difficulties engaging the next generation of professionals. We help you develop targeted recruitment strategies that appeals to entry-level talent, while ensuring that more experienced colleagues are complemented by fresh perspectives. By building balanced teams, we can help set you up for long-term success.
Improving workplace appeal
Candidates are looking for more than just the right salary – they want a positive working environment, opportunities for growth and a sense of purpose. However, many higher education institutions face minimal funding to invest in workplace improvements that can draw these professionals. We work closely with you to highlight the unique benefits of working in higher education, by taking the time to understand more about you as an individual client and what value-adds your organisation can offer.
Sector knowledge and staying current
At Sellick Partnership, we pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest developments in higher education and public sector recruitment. For example, in July 2024, Labour’s manifesto included pledges to hire teachers in shortage subjects – a move that could result in increased demand for support staff across HR, legal, finance, and more. We understand the ripple effects of such policy changes and are well-positioned to respond to the evolving needs of higher education institutions as they navigate these shifts.
Ability to collaborate across different higher education institutions
We have the ability to work with a wide range of higher education institutions, including universities, colleges, academies and schools. This extensive experience allows us to understand the distinct challenges and opportunities each type of institution faces in its recruitment efforts, particularly in relation to non-academic roles.
Our track record in higher education recruitment
At Sellick Partnership, we take pride in successfully placing talented professionals in key roles. Below is a selection of the positions we have recently filled, showcasing the breadth of our recruitment expertise. These examples highlight the variety of opportunities we can help you find or recruit to within the higher education sector:
- 9 placements at a West Midlands based University across finance and legal
- 4 placements at Yorkshire based University across legal and finance
- 4 Research Contracts Locums and a Head of Legal at an East Midlands based University
- 3 placements at a Yorkshire based University within finance and accountancy
- 5 placements at a West Midlands based University across legal
- 3 placements at a South West based University across contracts management
- Research Contracts Manager and Commercial Solicitor at an East Midlands based University
- Planning Solicitor at a Russell Group University
- Financial Accountant at a North West based University
- Senior Contracts Manager at a red brick University
- Senior Contracts Manager at an East of England University
- Contracts Managers at a South East based University
- Senior Regulatory Lawyer at a South Coast University
- Data Migration at North East based University
- Legal Adviser and Data Protection at a Russell Group University
- Head of Legal Services at a London based University
Approved frameworks
At Sellick Partnership, we are proud to be part of several approved public sector frameworks, allowing us to deliver efficient, compliant, and high-quality recruitment services to the education sector.
Our participation in these frameworks ensures that our recruitment processes adhere to the highest standards of governance and best practices, offering significant value for money. This commitment to excellence gives our higher education clients peace of mind when hiring for critical roles across finance, HR, legal, IT, and procurement.
More from Sellick Partnership
Diversity & Inclusion
We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential elements for attracting and retaining talent within the higher education sector. Today’s candidates actively seek employers that demonstrate a genuine commitment to DEI. They want to work in environments where diverse perspectives are valued, and inclusion is prioritised. Institutions must embed DEI into their core values to truly make a difference. This commitment signals progress, encourages innovation, and promotes a sense of belonging—key to building a thriving academic community.
CSR Committment
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a significant factor in the recruitment landscape, particularly within the higher education sector. Institutions that actively embrace CSR initiatives not only enhance their reputation but also gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent. Demonstrating ethical leadership, environmental sustainability, and community involvement is increasingly vital for appealing to today’s candidates and fostering long-term institutional success built on shared purpose and accountability.
Wellbeing in the Workplace
We know that employee wellbeing is crucial for fostering a productive and positive work environment, particularly in the higher education sector. Promoting wellbeing also means creating a culture where staff feel valued, heard, and supported. We advocate for the implementation of effective programmes and practices that encourage open communication, peer support, and regular feedback. These efforts build trust, enhance morale, and increase retention, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more engaged, and successful academic workforce.
Looking to partner with us on higher education recruitment?
Whether you are looking for your next higher education job yourself, or need to hire your next superstar, contact us today to find out how we can help.