Curriculum Manager Creative Industries in Sunderland

We are looking for an inspiring, resilient and highly organised curriculum manager who can motivate others, maintain high standards and drive continuous improvement within Creative Industries. The successful candidate will be a strong people manager with the confidence and transformational leadership style to lead staff through day‑to‑day operational demands while keeping students at the heart of decision making. They will be committed to high‑quality teaching, learning and assessment, able to work positively with colleagues, industry partners and external stakeholders, and passionate about developing an ambitious, inclusive and destination‑driven curriculum. This person will be a Changemaker by leading positive improvement in curriculum quality, student experience and team performance. They will champion innovation in teaching and learning, promote high expectations, and create a culture where staff and students are supported to thrive, progress and succeed.

About the Role

This is a key leadership role within Creative Industries, responsible for the operational management of the curriculum area, the leadership of teaching, learning and assessment, and the line management of staff. The postholder will lead curriculum planning, course review, quality assurance, student progress and team performance, while ensuring awarding body requirements, college policies and safeguarding responsibilities are fully met. This position offers broad leadership responsibility across curriculum planning, quality improvement, staff development and stakeholder engagement, making it an excellent progression opportunity for an ambitious middle leader. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to further develop expertise in quality systems, curriculum innovation, digital approaches to teaching and learning, and leadership within FE and HE related provision.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead the day‑to‑day operational management of the Creative Industries curriculum area to deliver agreed targets and high‑quality outcomes.
• Manage curriculum planning, course design, review and validation in line with college processes and awarding organisation requirements.
• Lead and quality‑assure teaching, learning and assessment, including schemes of work, assessment planning and the promotion of innovative practice.
• Line‑manage curriculum staff, including performance management, deployment, timetabling, communication, staff support and absence cover.
• Produce and oversee quality improvement documentation, including self‑assessment, quality improvement plans, internal quality assurance and inspection readiness.
• Maintain accurate records and reports, support student progress and behaviour, and ensure compliance with safeguarding, Prevent, health and safety, equality and college policies.

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and maths qualification.
• Minimum Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent, or commitment to complete within the first two years.
• Recent and relevant experience in Further Education and/or Higher Education, including curriculum development and innovation.
• Experience of improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and raising standards of student experience, progress and destinations.
• Experience of successfully leading and managing a team and/or a significant aspect of the curriculum.
• Experience of quality assurance processes, including internal quality assurance, self‑assessment, quality improvement planning and liaison with awarding bodies.
• Evidence of collecting, analysing and acting on data accurately to improve performance.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to motivate staff, manage underperformance and meet demanding targets.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of FE curriculum developments, qualification frameworks, accreditation arrangements and teaching, learning and assessment practice.
• Ability to support staff and students effectively through guidance, intervention and day‑to‑day solution‑focused operational management.
• Commitment to safeguarding, Prevent, equality, diversity, British Values, health and safety, and student‑centred practice.
• Experience of working in the Creative Industry sector.
• Experience and understanding of Ofsted review methodology for the FE skills sector.
• Understanding of Higher Education review.
• Experience of effective performance improvement, organisational change and quality improvement that demonstrates positive impact.
• Experience of effectively managing a budget and meeting financial targets.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including employers, parents, students and awarding organisations.
• Fellow of the HEA, where relevant to HE provision.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of current developments in Higher Education.

What’s in it for you?

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (excluding Term Time Only contracts).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme – depending on role.
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high‑performing environment where everyone can thrive. Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.