Academic Head

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Academic Head

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Le Cordon Bleu Paris

Academic Head - Full Time Position

The Cordon Bleu Paris Institute is seeking a dynamic and experienced educator/lecturer to provide academic leadership, contribute to institutional administration, and shape the overall strategic direction of our educational mission. This role is meant to extend beyond operational management with the view for a potential progression to encompass institutional governance and policy development, strategic planning, and academic vision setting.

The successful candidate will demonstrate proven experience with academic quality assurance compliance requirements, higher education teaching and academic program development and management while maintaining expert knowledge in the areas of Hospitality, Gastronomy and Food systems, Food & Beverage experiences.

Key roles Role In carrying out his or her role, the “Academic Head” is meant to contribute to teaching, academic mentoring and leadership, administration excellence and implementation of best practices in academic quality assurance. Expectations with respect to these domains are as follows:

Academic leadership

Understand, contribute and guide programme content delivery

Provide institutional leadership in support the institution's philosophy, principles, and governance structure;

Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic academic initiatives

Provide guidance for academic programme design, delivery and management.

Administrative Excellence

Manage academic resources efficiently and lead academic staff to ensure effective program delivery and faculty development

Counsel and guide the head of “Student trajectory and academic operations” to enhance deployment of student-centered teaching and learning approaches.

Support faculty development in contemporary teaching practices.

Navigate effectively between senior academic administration, academic functions, and operational support ensuring transparent communication regarding project status, challenges, and solutions.

Academic Quality Assurance

Collaborate with Head of Academic Quality Assurance to ensure compliance with institutional policies and accreditation standards

Lead the implementation and maintenance of academic quality assurance principles including transparency, equity, trackability, and accountability.

Monitor key performance indicators for academic excellence

Lead and oversee Academic Council activities according to approved Terms of References.

Key Responsibilities In addition to teaching and mentoring, specific academic responsibilities will include contributions to Program Development and Management, as well as Curricular design. Specific examples are provided below:

Program Development & Management

Ensure content coherence, breadth, depth, and logical progression within and across programs

Optimize alignment between program descriptions, marketing materials, and actual delivery and enhance academic documentation to improve clarity and effectiveness.

Provide strategic insight into leading‑edge advances and emerging trends in the areas Food & Beverage experiences and services, food product development and innovation.

Foster and grow relationships with academic and industry partners to enhance student‑centered research and professional experience opportunities

Align industry related professional requirements and academic preparation, integrating cutting‑edge developments into applied learning and internship experiences.

Curriculum Design / Learning Objectives / Evaluation Management

Ensure differentiation and respect of curricular intentions, teaching goals, learning and assessment objectives, overseeing design and implementation of comprehensive course assessment frameworks

Mentor faculty in reconciling teaching approaches with prescribed learning objectives and foster innovative pedagogical approaches that balance "need to know" with engaging, playful teaching methods

Optimize questionnaire design and evaluation processes

Analyze assessment data and prepare detailed reports with actionable recommendations.

Required Qualifications – Education & Experience

Master's degree (PhD preferred) in the areas of Gastronomy, Food Product Development, Food Sciences, Hospitality Management, Food & Beverage Management or equivalent

Minimum 5+ years experience in higher education‑level teaching, academic operations and management.

Leadership & Management Skills

Proven leadership ability with experience managing academic teams and working effectively with senior management

Experience in academic affairs management/coordination

Experience navigating complex organisational structures

Track record of successful project management and delivery.

Technical Skills & Competencies

Experience academic quality assurance processes including academic documentation, accreditation processes and compliance requirements

Expertise in program mapping and curriculum development

Experience in assessment design and data analysis across all levels of academic programs and training.

Proficiency in the use of educational technology and learning management systems and evolving best practices.

Essential Attributes – Professional Qualities

Integrity & Transparency: Commitment to honest communication about capabilities, challenges, and progress

Rigorous Standards: Unwavering commitment to academic excellence and process adherence

Adaptability: Willingness to learn and improve based on feedback and changing requirements

An understanding of the European competency certification framework and of French education system and regulatory bodies will be an asset

Collaborative Leadership: Ability to work effectively across departments and with diverse stakeholders.

Personal Characteristics

Language proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Minimum of Intermediate verbal proficiency in French language (professional working level).

Willingness to relocate to Paris for full‑time on‑site presence

Ability to balance firmness in standards with supportive mentoring

Openness to new experiences and continuous professional development

Capacity to accept and implement senior management decisions constructively

Key Performance Indicators

Academic program quality metrics and accreditation compliance

Student satisfaction and learning outcome achievement

Faculty development and retention rates

Timely completion of academic administration projects

Effective stakeholder collaboration and communication

Innovation in curriculum design and teaching methodologies

Reporting Structure

Head Quality assurance and compliance

Head Student Trajectory and academic operations

Academic teaching and support staff

Registrar and program scheduling

Student services and support functions

Sales and Marketing team members

Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary: Commensurate with experience, plus comprehensive benefits package including professional development.

Application Deadline: January 30th 2026

Start Date: As of 1 April 2026

Application Process And Required Documents

Comprehensive CV/Resume

Cover letter outlining career expectations and relevant experience

Three professional references

Teaching evaluations or portfolio (if available)

Selection Process

Initial application review

Video or in‑person interview with hiring committee to short list

Short‑listed candidates invited to second interview with expanded team members

Final interview with senior institutional management

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Internship

Job function

Education and Training

Industries

Higher Education

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