Manager, Language Centre

LANGUAGE CENTRE

Manager (26270083)

The Language Centre is a university teaching unit that aims to empower HKBU students with academic, professional, intercultural, and AI and digital communication competencies, preparing them for intellectual growth, global engagement and career success. It offers diverse learning opportunities including credit-bearing and supplementary courses and activities. Housing four sections — English, Chinese, Putonghua and Foreign Languages, the Centre is staffed by about 50 full-time teaching staff and a small research/project team, supported by an administrative team, and it also engages part-time teaching staff. The Centre serves close to 15,000 students annually.

The Centre is looking for a highly experienced individual to fill the position of Manager. Reporting to the Head of the Language Centre, the appointee will be tasked with a multifaceted leadership role within the team, offering comprehensive administrative support for the Centre's various programs, initiatives, and projects. This person will need to work closely with diverse teams and departments to ensure seamless communication between the Office and its key stakeholders, which include university faculties, departments, prospective candidates, and external entities.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head in formulating, implementing and reviewing strategic and operational plans to facilitate the Centre’s continuous development and alignment with University initiatives;


• Manage the Centre's financial planning and accounts, including contributing recommendations to budget planning;


• Support the Head/Associate Heads and the Programme Management Committee to ensure effective Centre administration and operations including providing secretarial services to the Committee;


• Oversee the quality of administrative and logistical support provided by office and technical staff, e.g. for teaching, various programmes, projects and initiatives; 


• Oversee and manage the implementation of the self-funded programme and  courses;


• Handle the Centre's human resources matters across the full staff lifecycle including recruitment, job deployment and renewal, liaising with HRO and other relevant offices as needed;


• Mentor General Office team members to support their professional development;


• Assess the impact of administrative actions and decisions on stakeholders, and continuously improve General Office processes to streamline and simplify workflows; and


• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• A recognised bachelor’s degree or higher with at least seven years of post-qualification work experience; 


• Excellent written and oral proficiency in English, Chinese and Putonghua with strong communication and interpersonal skills; 


• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with a strong ability to work independently;


• Ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines;


• Well-organised, with strong digital literacy skills — comfortable with cloud-based collaboration, data-informed reporting, and a proactive approach to adopting relevant AI-assisted tools to support the Centre's evolving needs;


• A self-motivated and highly responsible professional with a “can-do” attitude and a lead-by-example approach; and


• Good track record in supporting language education programs preferred.

Applicants are required to write a cover letter in English and Chinese detailing how they meet the job requirements and fill in the application form. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a written test in English and Chinese. 

The initial appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract of two years. Re-appointment thereafter is subject to performance review, mutual agreement and funding availability.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Procedure:

Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System. Those who are not invited for interview 8 weeks after the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful. Details of the University’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer. 

Review of applications is ongoing until the positions are filled.