Career and Progression Officer (Maternity Cover)

Career and Progression Officer (Maternity Cover)

South Bank Colleges is a vibrant and inclusive place to work, where staff are united by a shared ambition to transform lives through education. Rated Good by Ofsted in 2025, inspectors praised the college’s “strong culture of inclusion” and the way staff “foster an understanding of diversity” across all campuses. Adult learning was rated Outstanding, and learners spoke of the college as “an integral part of their journey in life.” With a broad curriculum offer, expert tutors and deep links to the local community and employers, South Bank Colleges is a rewarding environment for education professionals to thrive.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Careers & Progression Officer to provide outstanding careers guidance, coaching, and support to students across South Bank Colleges. This role will focus on delivering professional guidance and career planning services that enhance student employability, leading on the UCAS process, and working in close collaboration with college staff and employers to facilitate student progression, including delivery against the Gatsby Benchmark requirements.

As a Careers & Progression Officer at South Bank Colleges, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting students to achieve their full potential and gain sustainable employment, higher education, or progression onto internal college courses. Working in partnership with the curriculum, Student Services, and Employer Engagement teams, you will maintain a caseload of students, deliver workshops and tutorials, and build relationships with employers, schools, and universities to widen opportunities and drive the college's employability agenda. You will also be expected to provide tailored careers support to SEND students and ESOL learners, and to work inclusively with students from diverse backgrounds and differing abilities, ensuring every student has fair access to high-quality guidance.

Skills & Experience:

• A recognised Diploma in Careers Guidance, or NVQ Level 6 in Guidance, or equivalent
• Level 2 qualifications in numeracy and literacy
• Experience of customer-focused administrative operations
• A proven record of effectively implementing and a strong commitment to equal opportunities policies
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise effectively with students, parents, staff, employers, and other opportunity providers
• Strong organisational skills and resourcefulness in developing activities for students
• Experience of delivering high-quality career information, advice, and guidance to adults and 16-18 year olds in an innovative way
• Knowledge and understanding of current thinking and issues in FE and HE, and how these relate to and impact on the area of work
• Experience of supporting SEND students and ESOL learners, and working effectively with students from diverse backgrounds and differing abilities

This is a fantastic opportunity for a careers professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and enjoys working on diverse activities that have a real impact. Your guidance and coaching will be essential in inspiring and motivating students to achieve their full potential, while building strong partnerships with employers and institutions that support progression into employment, higher education, or further study.

This role is offered on a Full-time (36 hours a week), Maternity Cover basis.

Closing Date: 1st September 2026

Interviews will take place on: 10th/11th September 2026

We are an inclusive and welcoming college that is highly responsive in meeting the needs of our students. Equality, Diversity and inclusion are central to our values and behaviours, and we seek applicants who are fully committed to enhancing our work in this area.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early, should we receive sufficient applications.