At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the new Centre for Engineering Education and Skills, shaping innovative apprenticeship programmes.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a leader in engineering education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on engineering education and skills development.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in education, strong communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 71566 - 111391 £ per year.
In September 2026, the University of Sheffield will launch its new Centre for Engineering Education and Skills in the Faculty of Engineering and is seeking an exceptional leader to take up the role of Director. Reporting to the Faculty Vice President, and as a member of the Faculty Executive Board, the Centre’s Director will be its strategic lead, responsible for the delivery and further development of the University’s apprenticeship portfolio across engineering disciplines, high quality CPD provision and practical engineering education on the faculty’s standard degree programmes.
At its inception, the Centre will manage and govern the nationally recognised Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Training Centre (AMRC‑TC) and the Multidisciplinary Engineering Education (MEE) team. The Director will provide strong academic leadership for these teams and work closely with colleagues across the faculty and Central Apprentice Hub to ensure the highest quality of educational provision in line with all regulatory and institutional requirements. Alongside delivery and oversight of the existing portfolio, the Director will work closely with colleagues and a wide range of employers and stakeholders regionally and nationally to develop a new and innovative portfolio of apprenticeships, up to degree level, across all engineering disciplines.
We are seeking a leader with a strong background in apprenticeship delivery who has the skillset and credibility needed to build successful partnerships with employers, industrial partners, and key regional stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of how the University can build on existing strengths to expand its apprenticeship provision and be excited about the future possibilities.
Main duties and responsibilities:- Provide strategic vision, direction and inspirational leadership for the establishment and future development of the Centre for Engineering Education and Skills.
- Oversee delivery of the Centre's existing apprenticeship and CPD offer at the AMRC Training Centre and support the University’s ambition of achieving a consistently excellent education and student experience for apprentices, at all levels.
- Lead engagement with key external stakeholders, including key regional and national partners and employers and work collaboratively with them to understand their priorities and identify opportunities to work together for mutual benefit.
- Work with schools across the Faculty and with the University’s Central Apprenticeships Hub to develop a new portfolio of apprenticeship and CPD programmes, up to degree level.
- Work in close partnership with the University’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and, through them, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to ensure that all requirements in current and future funding agreements are met in full.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the Faculty of Engineering, including Heads of School and Directors of Education, to ensure the Centre’s development strategy is aligned to broader educational aims and that any new apprenticeship and CPD programmes can be effectively supported by staff in the Centre and across other schools.
- Provide strong and effective line management for academic members of the Centre’s Executive Team and drive an agenda of excellence, innovation and growth.
- Liaise closely with the Central Apprenticeships Hub and with the Faculty’s Education Team to ensure the Centre is continually compliant with all relevant regulatory frameworks and is Ofsted-ready, implementing continuous improvements as necessary.
- Build and maintain positive relationships across the University, encouraging the development of effective and collaborative partnership working.
- Be accountable for the effective safeguarding of apprentices who are under 18 and ensure that the Centre has all necessary safeguarding practices in place.
- Reporting into the Faculty Vice-President and as a member of the Faculty Executive Board, contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Faculty: it is expected that the Director will carry functional responsibility for specific agreed cross-cutting activities as required.
- Assume responsibility for devolved budgets, ensuring that income and expenditure are managed to achieve financial sustainability.
- Put in place appropriate management systems in line with University policies, procedures and processes within the Centre.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential and Desirable Criteria:- An outstanding track record of senior leadership and management, within the Further Education and/or Higher Education Sectors.
- An effective communicator, able to influence and inspire a wide variety of stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Familiarity with regional policy priorities and the national skills agenda.
- Experience of working strategically with a range of external stakeholders and/or employers preferably in a relevant area of work (education, innovation, industry etc).
- Strong understanding of the regulatory framework for apprenticeship delivery in the UK and direct experience of supporting strong compliance with these frameworks.
- Significant knowledge and experience in educational governance and quality assurance.
- Experience of working innovatively and in partnership with others to successfully develop new educational products (apprenticeships, CPD products, modules, programmes, CPD etc).
- Ability to build effective working relationships across organisational boundaries.
- Ability to lead, engage and, where appropriate, constructively challenge a team in the pursuit of the Centre’s long-term plans and in line with the University’s strategy.
- Experience of bid writing in order to respond to funding opportunities in skills provision.
Desirable: Experience of working strategically with external stakeholders and/or employers in a relevant area of work (education, innovation, industry etc).
Grade: Professorial Salary: £71,566 – £111,391
Director of the centre for engineering education and skills in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Centre for Engineering Education and Skills. With a commitment to employee growth, the university provides ample opportunities for professional development and engagement with key industry stakeholders, ensuring that staff can make a meaningful impact in engineering education. Located in a vibrant city known for its rich industrial heritage, employees benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of the centre for engineering education and skills in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the engineering education field. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential employers or colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in engineering education and skills development. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Director at the Centre. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job listings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of the centre for engineering education and skills in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and goals of the University of Sheffield, especially in relation to engineering education and skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your leadership experience and any relevant work with apprenticeships or educational governance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to build partnerships and drive innovation in education.
Be Clear and Concise:While it’s important to provide detail, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your sentences straightforward. This will help ensure your application is easy to read and understand, making a strong impression on the selection panel.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information and resources to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Centre for Engineering Education and Skills and its goals. Familiarise yourself with the current apprenticeship portfolio and CPD offerings, as well as any recent developments in engineering education. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would engage with external stakeholders, including employers and regional partners. Think about specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully built partnerships or collaborated on educational initiatives. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate in this role.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Director, strong leadership is key. Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams, managed projects, and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you inspire others to achieve their best.
✨Understand Compliance and Quality Assurance
Brush up on the regulatory frameworks for apprenticeship delivery in the UK. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and quality assurance in educational settings. This knowledge will be crucial in demonstrating your capability to manage the Centre effectively.
