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- Tasks: Lead and innovate Higher Education curriculum and quality assurance at Lakes College.
- Company: Join a vibrant Further Education College with state-of-the-art facilities in West Cumbria.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, pension schemes, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Higher Education and make a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: First degree, teaching qualification, and experience in Higher Education curriculum design required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a dedicated team and fantastic resources for teaching.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
Lakes College is a technical vocational Further Education College delivering education and training to full‑time and part‑time learners and apprentices to degree level. We have a vibrant campus in West Cumbria with state of the art vocational workshops and resources, including the National College for Nuclear Northern Hub. Our mission and purpose are to: 'Enable people to recognise and develop their potential'. We are a people business and our mission applies as equally to our staff team as to our learners and employers. We are a Good college and have ambition to be Outstanding by together developing our culture, standards and expectations. We encourage innovation, collaboration and reflection to lead to new ideas and methods. We gather, evaluate and use data to drive operational improvement.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is an exciting new leadership position that offers a unique opportunity to shape, strengthen and grow the Higher Education (HE) offer at Lakes College. As the HE Curriculum Innovation & Quality Manager, you will act as the college's central expert for HE quality assurance, academic standards, curriculum development and regulatory compliance. This is a strategic, future-focused role that combines operational oversight with institution‑wide influence. You will provide the vision, leadership and specialist expertise needed to ensure our HE provision meets - and exceeds - the expectations of the Office for Students (OfS), validating partners, awarding bodies and internal quality frameworks.
Working closely with curriculum Heads of Department, Assistant Principals, the TLA team and senior leaders, you will drive a culture of enhancement, evidence‑informed practice and innovation in HE delivery. This is both a quality leadership role and a curriculum development role. As HE at Lakes College continues to expand, you will play a pivotal part in shaping new programme design, supporting validation processes, modernising pedagogical approaches and ensuring HE staff have the skills, confidence and knowledge to deliver consistently excellent outcomes for students.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of HE at Lakes College by:
- HE Strategy & Leadership: Lead the implementation of the college's HE strategy, driving sustainable growth and curriculum development across departments. Act as the central expert for HE quality, regulation and innovation, advising senior leaders and academic teams.
- Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee all HE quality cycles, including annual monitoring, external examiner processes, programme reviews and evidence for regulatory activity. Ensure full compliance with OfS, QAA, validating partners and awarding body requirements.
- Curriculum Innovation: Lead modern, industry‑aligned HE curriculum design informed by research and sector best practice. Support teams in adopting innovative teaching methods such as flipped learning, active learning and digital pedagogies. Coordinate approval and validation processes for new programmes.
- Teaching, Learning & Assessment Enhancement: Support high standards in HE teaching and scholarly practice through learning walks, visits and structured reviews. Promote consistency in assessment, academic integrity and robust moderation practices.
- External Engagement: Manage relationships with validating partners, awarding bodies and external examiners. Lead preparations for external audits, reviews and inspections.
- Staff Development: Deliver HE‑focused CPD and coach academic staff to build capacity in curriculum development and quality excellence.
- HE Data & Performance Management: Analyse HE performance measures including continuation, attainment and student voice. Lead data‑driven improvement planning across programme areas.
- Student Experience: Champion the HE student voice and support departments to embed belonging, active learning and real‑world relevance.
The successful candidate will hold a first degree or equivalent qualification and a recognised teaching qualification, with clear evidence of delivering high‑quality teaching practice. They will bring substantial knowledge of Higher Education curriculum design, assessment models and qualification frameworks, alongside proven experience in leading or coordinating HE provision within a Further Education environment or a similar academic setting. This is a role for someone who thrives in a collaborative, multi‑disciplinary environment and enjoys influencing across boundaries. You will work closely with academic, quality, data and leadership teams to create the conditions for sustainable HE growth and excellence.
Application Requirements
To ensure compliance with safeguarding guidelines, all applicants must complete the application form in full. This includes providing:
- A full employment history from the time you left full‑time education, with details of any gaps in employment explained.
- Information on all relevant education and qualifications.
Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered. Your co‑operation helps us maintain the highest standards of safety and care for children and young people.
Qualifications
- First degree or equivalent essential
- Teaching qualification and evidence of relevant high‑quality teaching practice essential
- Management qualification at Level 5 or willing to work towards desirable
- Higher Degree desirable
Skills Experience
- Strong knowledge of Higher Education curriculum, assessment models, and qualification frameworks essential
- Experience of leading or coordinating Higher Education provision in FE or a similar setting essential
- A track record of improving teaching, learning, and assessment essential
- Experience of matrix management and the ability to influence others essential
- Ability to analyse performance data and lead effective interventions essential
Personal Attributes
- Ability to analyse complex data and translate it into strategic action essential
- Create & maintain positive professional relationships, manage own feelings, demonstrate empathy, compassion & equity, maintain a range of internal & external contacts essential
- Communicate effectively by listening, inviting feedback & providing good & timely information in an appropriate format essential
Higher Education Curriculum Innovation & Quality Manager in Workington employer: Lakes College West Cumbria
Contact Detail:
Lakes College West Cumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Education Curriculum Innovation & Quality Manager in Workington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to Lakes College. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching Lakes College’s HE strategy and recent initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of enabling potential. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your vision for curriculum innovation and quality assurance, as these are key aspects of the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Lakes College team. Get your application in early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Education Curriculum Innovation & Quality Manager in Workington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for higher education shine through! We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of enabling people to recognise and develop their potential.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Make sure to detail your relevant experience in curriculum design and quality assurance. We love specifics, so share examples of how you've led or coordinated HE provision in the past!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to reflect how your skills and experiences align with the role of HE Curriculum Innovation & Quality Manager. Show us why you're the perfect fit for Lakes College.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website to ensure your application is considered. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table, so don’t delay – get your application in as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lakes College West Cumbria
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in Higher Education curriculum design. Familiarise yourself with innovative teaching methods like flipped learning and active learning, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in driving quality assurance and regulatory compliance, as this role requires a strong leadership presence to influence across departments.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Brush up on your data analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve used performance measures to drive improvements in teaching and learning. This will demonstrate your ability to lead data-driven decision-making processes.
✨Engage with the Student Experience
Think about how you can champion the student voice in your role. Prepare to discuss strategies for enhancing student engagement and creating a sense of belonging, as this is crucial for the college's mission.
