Head of Department
Engineering
Salary: Up to £59,238 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week
Reference: REC2130 | Closing Date: Monday, 28th April 2025
Interviews: Thursday, 8th May 2025 (full day)
The Opportunity
As our Head of Department for Engineering, you’ll lead and inspire a talented team of lecturers, curriculum managers and support staff across a wide-ranging and ambitious curriculum. From Electrical and Mechanical Engineering to Manufacturing and Mechatronics, you'll be responsible for ensuring that every learner benefits from outstanding teaching, learning and assessment – whether they’re studying in Further Education, Higher Education, or as an adult learner. You'll play a key role in shaping a future-facing department, with a strong focus on Clean Energy and emerging technologies, and your work will contribute directly to the development of a skilled workforce for South Yorkshire and beyond.
You’ll take full ownership of the strategic and day-to-day management of the Engineering department, driving forward improvements and leading with purpose and vision. You’ll set and deliver on stretching quality, curriculum and financial targets, ensuring your team is always working towards excellence. Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering – you’ll coach and support your staff to be the very best they can be, promoting a culture of high performance, innovation, and continuous professional development.
Curriculum development will also be at the heart of your role. You’ll oversee the design and delivery of engaging and industry-relevant programmes from Entry Level to Higher Education. You’ll ensure that provision is not only aligned to local labour market needs but also responds to national education policy and technical education reforms. You'll be expected to lead on cross-college projects and contribute to key strategic initiatives, playing an active role in shaping the college’s wider direction.
Alongside academic leadership, you’ll take responsibility for managing budgets, staffing, and resources effectively. You'll work with awarding bodies, industry partners and employers to ensure the department maintains high standards, meets compliance requirements and creates excellent opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. From forging strong employer partnerships to supporting recruitment and retention strategies, you’ll work to grow and sustain the department’s success.
This role offers you the chance to make a real difference. You’ll be part of our passionate leadership team, working collaboratively to raise aspirations and drive positive outcomes for our learners.
About You
We’re looking for a driven and strategic leader who’s passionate about technical education and has the vision to take our Engineering department to the next level. You’ll need to bring a strong track record of leadership within an educational or industry-based setting, with the ability to inspire teams, lead change and deliver excellent outcomes for learners.
You’ll have a deep understanding of the engineering sector – ideally with experience across areas such as Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Mechatronics – and a good grasp of current and emerging trends, particularly in relation to Clean Energy and sustainability. You’ll be confident in shaping curriculum that meets both learner needs and industry demand, and you'll be comfortable working across Further Education, Adult Learning and Higher Education.
To excel in this role, you’ll need to be a confident decision-maker who’s equally comfortable operating at a strategic level and getting involved in the day-to-day running of the department. You’ll be data-savvy, financially astute and focused on continuous improvement. Your leadership style should be inclusive and empowering – someone who supports and develops others, builds trust, and fosters a collaborative team culture.
Ideally, you’ll bring experience of working with external partners, including employers and industry bodies, and you’ll know how to develop those relationships to enrich the learner experience and enhance employability. You’ll be comfortable navigating inspection frameworks and quality processes, and you'll understand the importance of safeguarding, inclusivity and learner wellbeing.
Above all, we’re looking for someone who’s ambitious for their department, staff and our learners. You’ll also be forward-thinking, committed to excellence, and excited to play a leading role in shaping the future of engineering education.
Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.
Required
• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, or significant industry experience
• Teaching qualification, or willingness to complete a Level 6 PGCE
• Up to date with relevant CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
• Teaching experience in Further Education
• Management or leadership experience in FE or HE
• Industry experience in a relevant sector
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Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .