At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate the Service Industries, Business, and Travel curriculum.
- Company: Join Cambridge Regional College, a top further education institution with over 10,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape future leaders while fostering creativity and high performance in a vibrant community.
- Qualifications: Must have experience in educational leadership and knowledge of Business or Tourism sectors.
- Other info: This role is open until filled; apply early to secure your chance!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We're seeking an inspirational Head of Department to lead and elevate our Service Industries, Business, and Travel & Tourism curriculum. This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and ambitious institution, where you'll be empowered to drive innovation, raise standards, and make a real impact on learners' lives. Cambridge Regional College (CRC) is one of the largest and most successful further education colleges in the country, serving over 10,000 students across two vibrant campuses in Cambridge and Huntingdon. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality education, exceptional student support, and strong links with local employers and industries. At CRC, we are committed to transforming lives through learning, fostering innovation, and preparing our learners for success in work and life.
About the Role
- Lead the growth and development of the department, creating a vibrant, high-performing learning environment.
- Shape a future-focused curriculum that is responsive to labour market trends and employer needs.
- Inspire and support staff, ensuring excellent teaching and learning across the department.
- Drive student success, from enrolment to outstanding progression and employability outcomes.
- Champion innovation, enterprise, and industry engagement to bring learning to life.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and deliver a cost-effective, labour market-informed curriculum aligned with LEP priorities.
- Lead a culture of aspiration, creativity and high performance among staff and students.
- Continuously improve teaching, learning and assessment through observations, training, and resource development.
- Oversee department targets, KPIs, and business plans - ensuring strategic, measurable impact.
- Lead quality assurance processes, including self-assessment reports and quality improvement planning.
- Build and maintain strong industry partnerships to enrich learning and secure work placements.
- Ensure full compliance with English and Maths funding conditions for all 16-18 Study Programme students.
- Foster student enterprise and support all learners with tailored progression pathways.
About You
- You will be an experienced educational leader with:
- A track record of successful curriculum leadership and team management.
- Deep knowledge of the Business, Tourism and/or Service Industries sector.
- Passion for student success and curriculum innovation.
- Experience in quality improvement and performance monitoring.
- The ability to lead with vision, resilience and integrity.
Why Join Us?
- A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
- Opportunities to innovate and make your mark.
- Access to continuous professional development.
- A vibrant community where your ideas are valued.
- The chance to positively influence hundreds of students every year.
Cambridge Regional College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Therefore, we expect all workers and employees to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled rather than the advertised closing date. Interviews will take place throughout this period; therefore, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Head of Department - Service Industries, Business & Travel employer: Cambridge Regional College
Contact Detail:
Cambridge Regional College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department - Service Industries, Business & Travel
✨Tip Number 1
Research Cambridge Regional College thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in the Service Industries, Business, and Travel sectors. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of CRC, especially those in leadership roles. They can provide valuable insights into the college's culture and expectations, which can be crucial for your success in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative ideas for curriculum development that align with labour market trends. Think about how you can enhance student engagement and employability outcomes, as these are key responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how it aligns with fostering a high-performance culture. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven improvements in teaching and learning in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - Service Industries, Business & Travel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in curriculum leadership, team management, and knowledge of the Business, Tourism, and Service Industries. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and improve student outcomes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and how you can contribute to the growth of the department. Mention your vision for a future-focused curriculum and how you plan to inspire both staff and students.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: Include specific achievements related to quality improvement and performance monitoring in your application. This could be successful projects you've led or innovative practices you've implemented that resulted in positive outcomes.
Showcase Industry Engagement: Demonstrate your ability to build strong industry partnerships by providing examples of past collaborations. Explain how these partnerships have enriched learning experiences and secured work placements for students.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Regional College
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Head of Department, your leadership skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, driven curriculum innovation, and improved student outcomes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the Business, Tourism, and Service Industries sectors. Highlight your understanding of labour market needs and how you can align the curriculum to meet these demands during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios where you've had to overcome challenges in curriculum development or team management, showcasing your resilience and vision.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Partnerships
Discuss your experience in building strong industry partnerships and how these relationships have enriched learning opportunities for students. Be ready to share ideas on how you would continue to foster these connections at Cambridge Regional College.