At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to shape the future of technical education in engineering.
- Company: Join a respected training provider with nearly 60 years of industry impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career impact and engagement with key industry stakeholders.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of engineering education and influence the next generation of talent.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in engineering or advanced manufacturing with a focus on growth.
The predicted salary is between 58286 - 61808 £ per year.
South West Durham Training (SWDT) has spent almost 60 years developing the engineers, technicians and industry leaders who have shaped businesses across the UK and beyond. As part of Bishop Auckland College Group, SWDT is entering an exciting new chapter, building on a strong reputation to expand its influence, strengthen employer partnerships and respond to the growing demand for world‑class technical education. We are now seeking an exceptional Executive Director to lead that next phase.
This is far more than an operational leadership role. We are looking for a strategic and commercially‑minded leader who can inspire high‑performing teams, build influential relationships with employers and stakeholders, and position SWDT at the forefront of engineering and advanced manufacturing skills. Working closely with the Principal & CEO, you will shape the Centre’s future direction, identify new opportunities for growth and ensure our curriculum continues to anticipate the needs of a rapidly evolving sector.
If you have credibility within engineering or advanced manufacturing, a track record of delivering organisational growth and the ambition to lead one of the region’s longest established training providers into its seventh decade, we’d love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact, not only on an industry focussed organisation, but on the future workforce and economic prosperity of our region.
Candidates wishing to explore the opportunity further are encouraged to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with Shaun Hope, Principal/Chief Executive Officer. Please contact Natasha Brown, PA to the Principal at natasha.brown@bacoll.ac.uk, to arrange a telephone appointment during week commencing 20 July 2026.
- Grade: harmonised pay scale 50-52 (£58,286.15 - £61,808.36 per annum)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, permanent position
- Post No: RS26/27/31
- Closing date: Monday 3 August 2026 at 23:59
- Interviews: Tuesday 18 August 2026
This role will include responsibilities within safeguarding and the postholder will be engaging in regulated activity. Bishop Auckland College Group are committed to and value equality of opportunity, inclusion and diversity. Bishop Auckland College Group are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all learners and any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as well as other required pre-employment checks.
Executive Director in Newton Aycliffe employer: North East Ambition
Centurion Multi-Academy Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. With a competitive salary and a commitment to operational excellence, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the educational outcomes of pupils and the wider community. Located in a supportive environment, the Trust offers unique opportunities for leadership development and strategic involvement in shaping the future of education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Director in Newton Aycliffe
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Jumping into industry events or leadership conferences can really help boost your visibility. Not only will you meet potential employers, but you’ll also get the chance to connect with other leaders in corporate management. Look for local or even virtual events that focus on leadership—every connection counts!
✨Engage in Professional Networks
Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like North East Ambition.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like North East Ambition.
✨Tailor Your LinkedIn Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is specifically tailored to corporate leadership. Highlight achievements, showcase relevant content and engage with posts in management groups. This not only builds your credibility but keeps you on the radar of companies looking for candidates like you as they post full-time opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director in Newton Aycliffe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to North East Ambition.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of North East Ambition. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with North East Ambition, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at North East Ambition, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for North East Ambition could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at North East Ambition as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.