Mohammed Amir Umer

Education, Quality Assurance, Teaching and Learning, Business, IT, AI and Cybersecurity, Teacher/Leader

Professional Summary

Experienced education and training leader with over 20 years of international experience across the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates and China, specialising in teaching, curriculum leadership, quality assurance, vocational education and organisational management. Proven track record of leading educational programmes within Further Education, Higher Education, corporate training and workforce development environments.

Skilled in teaching and learning leadership, curriculum development, internal quality assurance, staff mentoring, assessor training and strategic educational operations. Extensive experience managing multidisciplinary teams, developing learner-centred programmes, and maintaining high academic, operational and compliance standards across international educational settings.

Recognised for strong leadership, communication and organisational abilities, with a professional approach focused on educational excellence, continuous improvement, learner achievement and staff development. Committed to creating inclusive, engaging and high-performing learning environments that support both academic success and professional growth.

20+Years international education and training leadership
95-100%Recorded learner and certification pass rates
4Countries across global professional experience
15+E-learning centres managed across regional delivery

Key Skills and Competencies

Educational Leadership and Strategic Management

Leadership across education, training, curriculum, quality assurance and operational delivery.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Development

Designing learner-centred programmes, teaching resources, curriculum plans and inclusive learning experiences.

Internal Quality Assurance and Standardisation

Managing IQA frameworks, assessment monitoring, standardisation, compliance checks and evidence quality.

Staff Mentoring and Professional Development

Supporting tutors, assessors, instructional designers and staff through coaching, appraisal and CPD planning.

Vocational Education and Workforce Training

Experience across FE, HE, corporate training, workforce development and professional certification routes.

Quality Assurance and Awarding Body Standards

Maintaining academic, operational and compliance standards aligned with awarding organisation expectations.

Digital Learning and Educational Technology

Developing online, blended and face-to-face delivery using digital learning and technology-enhanced approaches.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

Working with schools, colleges, businesses, institutions, senior leaders, employers and external quality stakeholders.

Project Management and Organisational Planning

Planning programmes, managing projects, prioritising work, solving problems and supporting strategic outcomes.

Selected Achievements and Proven Record

Performance Outcomes

  • 95% pass rate for Yes2Work UAE national programme students.
  • 96% pass rate for academic students.
  • 100% pass rate for professional certification programmes including IC3, A+, Network+ and CCNA.
  • Developed articulation agreements with UAE educational institutions including HCT, Zayed University and AD Poly.

Awards and Recognition

  • Certificate of appreciation from ACTVET for service as Site Director, Assessor and IQA.
  • ADVETI Employee of the Year Award 2015/2016.
  • Certificate of appreciation in 2016.
  • Established Cisco, Microsoft, CompTIA and Certiport laboratories at Al Jazirah and obtained approved training centre recognition.

Academic Qualifications

MSc Business Management and Information Technology

2004 to 2005 - United Kingdom.

BCS Bachelor of Computer Science

1993 to 1996 - United Kingdom.

BTEC First and National Diploma

1990 to 1993 - Electronics and Computer Technology, United Kingdom.

Professional Certifications

Teaching, Assessment and Quality Assurance

UK Qualified Teaching Status - QTLS Level 5 Diploma in Teaching - DET Quality Assurance Certificate Assessor Certificate Lead Internal Verifier ESLM Teaching English

Information Technology

IC3 ECDL OCR CompTIA A+ Microsoft MCP Microsoft MCPI Microsoft MCSE Cisco CCNA

Teaching Contribution

Programmes and Levels Taught

  • BTEC, HNC, HND, FdSc and Bachelor’s programmes from Level 1 to Level 7 in the UK.
  • Business Communication, Innovation, Fundamentals, Collaboration, Systems and Relationship.
  • Project Management, Organisational Behaviour, Information Systems and Business Management.

Technical and Professional Subjects

  • Cisco courses including CCNA routing, switching and security.
  • Cybersecurity and information security awareness.
  • Computer hardware and software.
  • CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+ and IC3 certification preparation.
  • Artificial Intelligence, digital skills and technology-enhanced learning.

Employment History

Head of Education and Quality Assurance

HHF Training, United Kingdom
02/2023 - Present

Provide strategic leadership across education, quality assurance, and operational delivery for a multi-disciplinary training organisation specialising in digital learning, professional development, and corporate training solutions.

Lead the design, implementation, and quality oversight of online, blended, and face-to-face educational programmes delivered to schools, colleges, businesses, and institutional partners across the North West region.

Hold executive responsibility for curriculum quality, organisational compliance, staff performance management, operational efficiency, and awarding body standards.

Act as the organisation’s lead for Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), ensuring delivery, assessment, and quality processes meet regulatory, pedagogical, and awarding organisation requirements.

  • Lead end-to-end educational operations, including programme planning, curriculum delivery, learner outcomes, quality assurance, and organisational performance.
  • Manage and continuously improve the IQA framework, including standardisation, assessment monitoring, quality reviews and compliance auditing.
  • Serve as the primary liaison and Quality Nominee for UK awarding organisations, supporting positive external quality assurance outcomes.
  • Direct and mentor tutors, assessors, instructional designers and administrative staff to promote high standards of teaching, assessment and professional development.
  • Design innovative educational programmes and bespoke training packages for online learning, B2B clients and institutional partnerships.
  • Build strategic partnerships with schools, colleges, training providers and regional stakeholders to support workforce development.
  • Use learner achievement data, retention metrics, quality indicators and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement.
  • Support organisational growth through commercially aligned training solutions, tenders and partnership opportunities.
  • Oversee compliance with awarding organisation requirements, internal policies, safeguarding expectations and quality assurance procedures.

Head of Information Technology / Business Management

The ELA Education Group, United Kingdom
09/2021 - 01/2023

Provided leadership across the Business and Information Technology department within a professional education and training environment.

Supported vocational, commercial and workforce development programmes across Business Management, Project Management, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Skills.

Helped design flexible educational programmes aligned with employer needs, sector requirements and changing government funding frameworks.

  • Led curriculum delivery, staff coordination, departmental planning and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
  • Conducted staff appraisals, performance reviews and professional development planning to support teaching effectiveness.
  • Contributed to strategic planning for technology and digital education initiatives.
  • Managed development and continuous improvement of Business and IT programmes to ensure curriculum relevance and learner engagement.
  • Created a positive, inclusive and high-performing learning environment focused on learner achievement and professional development.
  • Delivered teaching and training across Business Management, Project Management, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology.
  • Integrated emerging technologies, practical learning activities and industry-focused teaching approaches.
  • Collaborated with teams and stakeholders to ensure programmes met organisational standards, learner expectations and awarding body requirements.

Director of Teaching and Learning

Nanjing Education Bureau - EIC, China
03/2018 - 07/2021

Held a senior leadership role supporting strategic development and continuous improvement of teaching and learning programmes across schools within the Nanjing education sector.

Worked with senior leaders, academic staff and stakeholders to strengthen curriculum quality, staff development, operational effectiveness and educational outcomes.

  • Implemented strategic educational initiatives to enhance teaching quality, learner engagement and academic performance.
  • Led improvement and innovation across curriculum development, teaching practice, staff mentoring, educational operations and policy implementation.
  • Supported senior executive leadership in organisational development and educational strategy.
  • Designed and promoted learner-centred teaching approaches focused on engagement and continuous improvement.
  • Mentored and coached teaching staff to strengthen instructional practice and classroom effectiveness.
  • Contributed to academic policies, operational procedures and educational frameworks.
  • Strengthened community and stakeholder relationships through collaborative communication and educational engagement.

Instructor / Internal Verifier / Curriculum Manager

Higher Colleges of Technology - Al Ain Women’s College, United Arab Emirates
12/2017 - 01/2018

Contributed to teaching, assessment, internal verification, curriculum management and learner support within one of the UAE’s leading higher education institutions.

Supported Business and Information Technology programmes within a technology-enhanced learning environment.

  • Delivered teaching, training and assessment across Business and Information Technology using blended and learner-centred approaches.
  • Planned workshops, lectures, demonstrations and practical learning activities tailored to diverse learner needs and learning styles.
  • Designed and updated curriculum materials, training resources and assessment instruments aligned with awarding body requirements.
  • Conducted assessment and internal verification activities to ensure validity, reliability, authenticity, fairness and standardisation.
  • Maintained assessment records, evidence portfolios, quality assurance documentation and internal verification reports.
  • Monitored learner progress and provided constructive oral and written feedback.
  • Supported assessor development and standardisation by identifying training needs and promoting consistent assessment practice.
  • Contributed to curriculum enhancement through research into emerging industry trends, educational technologies and workforce requirements.

Lecturer / Site Director / National Training and Quality Assurance Manager

Abu Dhabi Vocational Education and Training Institute - ADVETI, United Arab Emirates
12/2013 - 12/2016

Held academic, operational and quality assurance leadership roles within a leading UAE government vocational education institution.

Contributed to TVET delivery across Business, Information Technology, Project Management and workplace-based learning programmes.

  • Delivered teaching, training and assessment across Information Technology, Business Management and Project Management at Diploma and Undergraduate level.
  • Developed curriculum materials, assessment strategies, internal verification processes and standardisation practices.
  • Served as Course Coordinator for Business Management and Information Technology programmes.
  • Supervised learner projects, assessed coursework and provided academic mentoring and learner support.
  • Collaborated with CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, ADNOC and Abu Dhabi Police to support curriculum relevance and workplace learning.
  • Delivered professional development programmes and assessor training qualifications to staff and industry professionals.
  • Led the YES2WORK national employability programme for Emirati youth, managing teams of assessors and Internal Verifiers.
  • Developed assessment monitoring systems, inspection templates, reporting structures and quality assurance procedures.
  • Worked with External Verifiers and senior leaders to prepare for audits, verification visits and quality assurance reviews.
  • Produced operational and quality assurance reports for senior management.

Director of Information Technology

The Property File, Manchester, United Kingdom
07/2010 - 11/2013

Led IT operations, infrastructure management, network security, system implementation and technical support services.

  • Managed day-to-day IT operations including network infrastructure, maintenance, upgrades, installations and technical support.
  • Developed IT policies, procedures and security practices to support operational efficiency and data protection.
  • Identified technology requirements and recommended hardware, software and infrastructure solutions.
  • Procured cost-effective IT equipment and software while ensuring system reliability and performance.
  • Monitored system performance, resolved technical issues and implemented service improvements.
  • Led, supported and trained IT staff and users.

Regional E-Learning Training Director

Manchester Business Consortium, United Kingdom
11/2006 - 06/2010

Led regional delivery and management of e-learning and staff development programmes across the North West region of the UK.

Managed the setup and operational oversight of 15 e-learning centres and approximately 75 staff.

  • Managed regional e-learning operations and online training delivery.
  • Designed and developed online courses, workshops and digital training materials.
  • Conducted research and contributed to new training programmes and curriculum resources.
  • Facilitated online learning sessions, workshops and interactive classroom discussions.
  • Identified staff training and development needs and implemented CPD plans.
  • Monitored delivery and operational performance to ensure compliance with organisational standards and legislation.

Information Technology and Business Lecturer

Manchester College of Arts and Technology - MANCAT, United Kingdom
09/2001 - 10/2006

Delivered teaching and assessment across Information Technology and Business programmes within Further and Higher Education.

  • Planned and delivered engaging lessons and workshops aligned with approved curriculum requirements.
  • Researched and developed new courses, teaching materials and learning resources.
  • Assessed coursework, examinations and learner performance.
  • Supported examination preparation, invigilation and marking activities.
  • Provided academic mentoring, guidance and pastoral support.
  • Produced progress and performance reports for senior management and academic teams.
  • Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and student engagement.

Part-Time Information Technology Teacher

White Wings Consulting & Training Inc., New York, USA
03/1997 - 09/2001

Delivered part-time evening and weekend training in A+ Hardware and Software, Network+ and CCNA programmes.

  • Planned lessons, practical demonstrations and hands-on learning activities for adult learners and professional trainees.
  • Assessed learner progress and provided academic guidance, mentoring and technical support.
  • Supported learner achievement through communication, classroom management and learner-centred teaching.
  • Developed strong presentation, leadership and interpersonal skills through regular classroom delivery.

IT Field Engineer / Project Manager

United States
10/1996 - 09/2001

Worked across enterprise IT infrastructure, field engineering, network deployment and technical project management in fast-paced commercial environments.

Combined hands-on technical expertise with operational leadership, managing engineering teams and delivering major infrastructure projects across multiple client sites.

  • Managed approximately 25 field engineers and 3 IT managers across project allocation, operational performance and service delivery.
  • Installed, configured and supported Cisco routers, CSU/DSU devices, firewalls, servers and TCP/IP networks.
  • Troubleshot desktop systems, enterprise networks, servers and software environments for major commercial clients.
  • Supported Microsoft server technologies including Exchange Server, IIS, proxy services, print management, backup, DHCP and remote access services.
  • Led development of a secure web-based support and reporting system for field engineers.
  • Managed installation and configuration of approximately 1,500 PCs for the American Diabetes Association in Manhattan.
  • Led deployment of approximately 1,350 Cisco routers for The Depository Trust Company.
  • Delivered firewall and network implementation projects for Allstate.
  • Managed approximately 1,750 router deployments for Vote.com in Manhattan.
  • Installed and configured approximately 1,450 WatchGuard firewall devices.

Recent Publications

M.A. Umer - “Fundamentals of Cybersecurity for Small to Medium Enterprises” - submitted.
M.A. Umer - “Cryptosystems and Data Protection” - submitted.
M.A. Umer - “Designing Secure Systems for Small to Medium Enterprises” - submitted.
M.A. Umer - “Mobile Network Security” - submitted.
M.A. Umer - “Cloud Computing Security in SMEs” - submitted.
M.A. Umer - “Information System Security” - submitted.

References

References available upon request.