At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance careers education and work experience programmes for students.
- Company: Reputable Further Education provider in Cambridge with a focus on student success.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, pension schemes, gym membership, and extensive staff development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by guiding their career paths.
- Qualifications: Experience in careers provision and a Level 6 Diploma in Careers Guidance required.
- Other info: Agile working options available and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 39401 - 49301 £ per year.
We are currently seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Careers & World of Work Manager to join a highly regarded Further Education provider. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic leader with strong experience in careers education, advice and guidance, and work experience provision within an FE environment. This is a full-time, full-year role offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
About the Role
The Careers & World of Work Manager will lead the strategic and operational delivery of the organisation’s Careers and World of Work provision. You will manage and coordinate high‑quality impartial careers advice, work experience and placement activities, and contribute to the ongoing development of an impactful, modern careers programme. The role involves leading a team, engaging employers, and ensuring students and apprentices receive exceptional support aligned with industry needs and recognised standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing careers advice, guidance, and employability provision
- Overseeing work experience and placement activities across the organisation
- Ensuring alignment with Gatsby Benchmarks and sector best practice
- Leading and supporting staff to deliver a high‑quality service
- Working effectively with employers, external agencies, and internal stakeholders
- Contributing to continuous improvement of the Careers Programme
- Ensuring robust systems, processes, and safeguarding practices are maintained
Agile working is available, typically 1 day per week, except during peak periods.
What We’re Looking For:
The Ideal Candidate Will Have:
- Extensive experience managing Careers and Work Experience provision within FE
- A Level 6 Diploma in Careers Guidance and Development
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade AC (or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of the Gatsby Benchmarks
- Ability to build productive relationships with employers and external partners
- Exceptional organisational, communication, and leadership skills
- Professional integrity, resilience, and a proactive approach
- Adaptability and calmness under pressure
Employee Benefits
- Generous holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
- Competitive contributory pension schemes (TPS and LGPS)
- Discounted Apple products
- Free gym membership or discounted classes
- Discounted internal courses
- BUPA Health Expenses cash plan and Occupational Health services
- Free on‑site parking
- Retail and online discounts
- On‑site restaurants and coffee outlets
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Extensive staff development opportunities
How to Apply
This role is ideal for an established careers or employability professional ready to take the next step into a strategic management position within a supportive and forward‑thinking organisation. If you are passionate about delivering high‑quality careers and work experience provision and driving positive student outcomes, we welcome your application.
Careers & World of Work Manager in Cambridge employer: FreeSpirits
Contact Detail:
FreeSpirits Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers & World of Work Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. Practise common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring a portfolio or examples of your work to interviews. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in careers education and guidance, so make sure you highlight your achievements and impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Careers & World of Work Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in careers education and work experience provision. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Careers & World of Work Manager!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in an FE environment. We love seeing proactive candidates who can inspire others!
Highlight Your Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the Gatsby Benchmarks and sector best practices is key for this role. Make sure to mention any relevant training or experience you have that showcases your understanding of these standards. We’re all about staying ahead of the game!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you in the running for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at FreeSpirits
✨Know Your Gatsby Benchmarks
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Gatsby Benchmarks, as they are crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in previous positions and how you plan to align the organisation’s careers programme with them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Careers & World of Work Manager, you’ll be leading a team. Bring examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your communication and organisational skills. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support staff.
✨Engage with Real-World Examples
Prepare to discuss your experience with employers and external partners. Share specific instances where you’ve built productive relationships or improved work experience placements. This will show your understanding of industry needs and your proactive approach.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
This role requires calmness under pressure and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to adjust your strategies or approaches quickly. Discuss how you handled those situations and what the outcomes were, showcasing your resilience and problem-solving skills.