Product Design Lead - Design Technology in Southampton

Bitterne Park School is seeking an ambitious, creative and highly skilled Product Design Lead to join our thriving Design Technology faculty. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced teacher and leader with a passion for practical design, manufacturing and innovation, particularly within resistant materials, woodwork and product design disciplines.

At Bitterne Park School, we are proud of our inclusive and forward-thinking culture, where students are encouraged to respect, believe and achieve. As a large and highly successful secondary school with a strong commitment to creativity and practical learning, we value subjects that inspire students to think critically, solve problems and develop real-world skills.

We are looking for a specialist who can lead and develop Product Design across Key Stages 3, 4 and potentially 5, with a strong focus on product with resistant materials, timber-based manufacture, workshop practice with modern materials and design processes. This is not a textiles, food or art-based role; instead, we are seeking someone with genuine enthusiasm and expertise in practical making, materials technology and high-quality product design education.

As Product Design Lead, you will:

• Lead the strategic development of Product Design within the Design Technology department.
• Deliver engaging and inspiring lessons that promote creativity, independence and technical excellence.
• Develop and refine schemes of learning that balance traditional practical skills with modern design and manufacturing techniques.
• Promote high standards of workshop safety, organisation and resource management.
• Support and develop colleagues within the department, sharing best practice and driving continual improvement.
• Monitor student progress and implement effective interventions to maximise achievement and engagement.
• Encourage students to develop confidence in designing, making and evaluating products using a range of materials and processes.
• Maintain and develop specialist workshop environments, tools and equipment to support outstanding teaching and learning.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to further strengthen Design Technology across the school.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an excellent classroom practitioner with strong subject knowledge in Product Design and resistant materials.
• Have experience working within workshop environments, including woodwork and associated machinery/equipment.
• Demonstrate strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Be passionate about practical education and committed to inspiring the next generation of designers, engineers and creators.
• Have high expectations of themselves and their students.
• Be committed to contributing to the wider life of the school.

In return, Bitterne Park School offers:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Well-resourced specialist facilities, workshops and technician.
• A strong culture of professional development and career progression.
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact within a highly regarded and successful school community.

If you are an enthusiastic and driven Product Design specialist looking to lead and shape an exciting area of the curriculum, we would welcome your application.

Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Significant experience teaching Design Technology with a focus on Product Design.
• Proven leadership skills within an educational setting.
• Strong curriculum development and assessment knowledge.
• Ability to inspire and motivate both students and staff.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to promoting creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Benefits:

• Healthcare Cash Plan options for you & your family.
• Free on-site gym & personal & group training sessions.
• Electric Car Scheme & onsite charging points.
• Childcare and Nursery discount vouchers.
• Tech scheme.
• Charity Giving.
• Free remote & onsite yoga sessions.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free Parking.
• Gym & retailer discounts.
• Onsite car valeting.
• Enhanced Maternity, Shared Parental & Adoption Leave.