Deputy Head of Careers in Manchester

Deputy Head of Careers in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic Careers team to empower students in securing their dream jobs.
  • Company: Join GBS, a forward-thinking higher education provider with a mission to change lives through education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and a rewarding work environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by guiding them towards successful careers.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for student success are essential.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

Department: Graduate Employment and Entrepreneurship

Location: Manchester

Type of Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time - 40hrs Per Week

GBS is a higher education provider offering a range of sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare, and more.

Our Vision: Changing lives through education.

What We Do: The Graduate Employment and Entrepreneurship department at GBS is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers and business ventures. It offers tailored one‑to‑one guidance, a dynamic online Careers Hub via Handshake, and a structured Employability Award that builds critical job‑seeking skills through Bronze to Platinum levels. Students gain practical experience in CV building, networking, and real job applications, including tools like ChatGPT.

The role: The Deputy Head of Careers will assist the Head of Careers provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Careers team members, ensuring their activities align with institutional objectives and industry best practices. The Careers team includes Careers Consultants, Careers Officers, Campus Administrators and Campus Managers.

The role requires someone with a passion for driving student success in securing employment, enabling seamless career transitions, and fostering graduate outcomes that meet institutional B3 Progression targets. The primary focus of this role is helping students and recent alumni who are currently unemployed into paid employment and those who have jobs in posts that are SOC 1-3 grade. This will involve creating a range of career support strategies that are contextualised to the individual circumstances of each student, including their ambitions, personal circumstances, programme of study and location.

The successful candidate will help lead a diverse, multi‑campus team, driving excellence in programme delivery, innovation, and stakeholder engagement while ensuring the highest standards of quality and impact across all initiatives.

What the role involves:

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Work with the Head of Careers to develop and articulate a clear vision and strategic plan for the Careers team, with a clear focus on providing individualised and contextualised support for students.
  • Understand and champion the full breadth of employment ambitions and circumstances for all of our students and recent alumni.
  • Understand the local, regional and national job markets and contextualise the team’s careers support activities to best align with these.
  • Work with the Head of Careers to align the team with institutional B3 goals, particularly around getting students into jobs and progressing to more senior, professional‑grade roles.
  • Act as an advocate for careers initiatives, promoting their value internally and externally.
  • Oversee the support for mandatory placements.
  • Work with the Head of Careers to provide strong leadership, direction, and programme management support to a diverse team across all campuses.
  • Work with the Head of Careers to support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Careers team activities to ensure consistency and quality of support to students across locations and maximise graduate outcomes for our students and recent alumni.
  • Develop, monitor, and report on KPIs to measure the success and impact of the team’s activities, with an emphasis on securing graduate employment outcomes.
  • Innovation and Continuous Improvement
    • Work with the Head of Careers to lead the development and implementation of innovative approaches to enhance the Careers support available to students and alumni.
    • Stay abreast of industry trends, incorporating best practices to maintain the programmes’ competitiveness and relevance.
    • Work with the Head of Careers to oversee feedback collection and evaluation processes to drive continuous improvement in rates of professional‑level employment for students and alumni.

    What Experience/Skills are required:

    • Leadership
    • Experience leading progression, recruitment or employment programmes across multi‑campus environments either within the higher education sector or in an industrial setting.
  • Data and Performance Analytics
    • Expertise in using employment data, labour market intelligence, and dashboards to drive institutional decision‑making.
  • Strategic Change Management
    • Proven success in implementing large‑scale initiatives that transform employment outcomes and support B3 progression metrics.
  • External Stakeholder Engagement
    • Strong track record in building partnerships with employers, professional bodies, and industry networks to enhance student opportunities.
  • Innovation in Programme Delivery
    • Experience designing and implementing innovative progression strategies that improve graduate outcomes and student success.

    What We Offer

    • 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
    • 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
    • Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
    • Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
    • Reward and recognition programme
    • £500 award employee referral scheme
    • Discretionary annual performance bonus

    GBS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We take our core values seriously and work hard to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed.

    About Us

    GEDU Global Education is a dynamic and innovative group of education providers. Across our institutions, programmes are designed to have a direct impact on the lives of our students, apprentices and trainees; to equip them with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary for success in their chosen field.

    Deputy Head of Careers in Manchester employer: GEDU CAREERS

    At GBS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and inclusivity. Located in the heart of Manchester, our team enjoys a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, competitive benefits including flexible working options, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in students' lives through education. Join us in shaping the future of careers and empowering the next generation of professionals.
    G

    Contact Detail:

    GEDU CAREERS Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Careers in Manchester

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do some mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your answers. Plus, it’s a great way to boost your confidence!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Tailor your approach! When applying for jobs, make sure to customise your pitch for each role. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. This shows employers that you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.

    We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Careers in Manchester

    Strategic Leadership
    Career Support Strategies
    Data and Performance Analytics
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Innovation in Programme Delivery
    Understanding of Job Markets
    Team Management
    Continuous Improvement
    Communication Skills
    Project Management
    Analytical Skills
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Adaptability
    Passion for Student Success

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Head of Careers role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading teams and driving student success, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.

    Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for helping students secure employment. Share specific examples of how you've supported career development in the past, and let your passion shine through in your writing!

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.

    Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.

    How to prepare for a job interview at GEDU CAREERS

    ✨Know Your Stuff

    Before the interview, dive deep into the role of Deputy Head of Careers. Understand the key responsibilities and how they align with the institution's goals. Familiarise yourself with the local job market and the specific challenges students face in securing employment.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, particularly in a multi-campus environment. Highlight how you’ve driven student success and improved employment outcomes.

    ✨Be Data Savvy

    Since data analytics is crucial for this position, be ready to discuss how you've used employment data and labour market intelligence in previous roles. Think of specific metrics you've tracked and how they informed your decision-making processes.

    ✨Engage with Stakeholders

    The role involves building partnerships with employers and industry networks. Prepare to talk about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Share how you've successfully collaborated with external partners to enhance opportunities for students.

    Deputy Head of Careers in Manchester
    GEDU CAREERS
    Location: Manchester

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