At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Defence Technical Excellence College and shape future defence workforce development.
- Company: Join Blackpool and The Fylde College, a leader in technical education and community growth.
- Benefits: Generous leave, excellent pension, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until December 2029 with significant influence over education and industry collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on defence skills and workforce capability at a national level.
- Qualifications: Strategic leadership experience and strong relationship-building skills with employers and stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we’re more than an education provider – we’re a driving force for opportunity, innovation and community growth.
As one of the UK’s leading further education colleges and an exempt charity, we deliver high‑quality technical and professional education that transforms lives and supports regional prosperity.
With over 12,500 students and around 1,000 colleagues, we’re proud to be an anchor institution driving social mobility, inclusion and success.
Role We’re seeking an inspirational and strategically focused Director to lead the Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC), one of a small number of nationally designated colleges delivering critical defence skills.
You’ll provide operational and sector leadership, establishing a high‑performing, employer‑led technical college model aligned to national defence, industrial and skills priorities.
The postholder will ensure the DTEC is credible with defence employers, trusted by government, and transformational for learners, contributing meaningfully to workforce capability across the defence ecosystem.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape one of only a small number of Defence Technical Excellence Colleges nationally, with significant influence over the future of defence workforce development.
You will operate at the intersection of education, industry and national policy, delivering meaningful social, economic and national impact at scale.
Please note, this is a fixed‑term position until December 2029.
How You’ll Make An Impact Provide strategic and operational leadership to establish and grow a nationally recognised Defence Technical Excellence College.
Build strong, influential relationships with defence employers, partners and government stakeholders to ensure provision reflects current and future skills needs.
Lead the successful delivery of the DTEC programme, ensuring milestones, KPIs and outcomes are achieved.
Champion excellence in technical education, driving innovation in curriculum design, teaching, and employer‑embedded training pathways.
Represent the DTEC at regional and national level, shaping policy, practice and sector collaboration across the defence skills landscape.
Ensure robust governance, performance management and compliance across funding, safeguarding, security and contractual requirements.
What We Offer Generous annual leave, plus 5 additional gifted days (pro rata for part‑time employees) to be taken during the Christmas closure period An excellent pension scheme Professional development and funded training opportunities Flexible working options and family‑friendly policies Comprehensive wellbeing support and staff recognition initiatives Discover more about our rewards and benefits at https://www. blackpool. ac. uk/jobs Working with Us At B
Director Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC) North West employer: Blackpool and The Fylde College
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Contact Details:
Blackpool and The Fylde College Recruitment Team
