Careers & Employability Manager
Careers & Employability Manager

Careers & Employability Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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North Kent College

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate careers education, guiding students towards their future success.
  • Company: Join North Kent College, a 'Good' rated provider with a commitment to student progression.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, pension scheme, and access to onsite facilities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' careers while leading a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in careers guidance and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.

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

Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.

Are you an experienced careers professional ready to lead, develop and innovate? We are seeking an exceptional Careers and Employability Manager to lead our Careers Team and shape a high-quality, responsive careers education and guidance service across the College. This is an exciting opportunity to drive forward a cross-college CEIAG strategy, manage a dedicated team, and ensure our students receive outstanding careers support that enables them to progress confidently onto their next steps.

As Careers and Employability Manager, you will:

  • Act as the operational Careers Leader for the College
  • Line manage a team of 2 Careers Advisers, 2 Careers Officers and 2 UniConnect Project Officers
  • Manage your own caseload of interviews and workshops as well as oversee the teams activities
  • Oversee the Colleges UniConnect/KMPF project work (subject to annual funding)
  • Manage the delegated careers budget
  • Drive continuous improvement and service development
  • Lead on Matrix, Gatsby and CEIAG strategy and improvement planning
  • Produce performance data, reports and commentary for Leadership Team and stakeholders
  • Develop strong internal partnerships with curriculum teams, marketing, SLT and support services
  • Build and maintain effective external partnerships with schools, HE providers and other agencies
  • Ensure compliance with the CDI Code of Ethics, safeguarding requirements and quality standards

You will play a key role in ensuring the Careers Service remains innovative, student-focused and aligned to national quality frameworks including Matrix and Gatsby Benchmarks.

What We’re Looking For:

We are looking for a strategic thinker and collaborative leader who can:

  • Inspire and develop a small, professional team
  • Strengthen the College’s cross-college careers offer
  • Analyse data and use insight to drive service improvements
  • Build strong stakeholder relationships internally and externally
  • Maintain high standards of quality assurance and accreditation

You will be passionate about student progression, employability and widening participation, with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.

The Role:

Where you’ll work: The role is multi-sited and will require travel to any of the College sites as required.

Your hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum (1 FTE).

Your pay: £47,311 per annum.

The College: North Kent College (including Hadlow College) is proudly rated as an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider, with ‘Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent and 4,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.

The Benefits: In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following benefits:

  • 33 days’ annual leave (including Christmas / New Year break) plus bank holidays (full time equivalent).
  • Enrolment onto the People’s Partnership pension scheme (as part of the staff of North Kent College Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Kent College).
  • Access to free parking and a range of onsite facilities, a restaurant and coffee shop.

How to Apply: If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent College staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.

Please note that the closing date for applications is Thursday, 19th March 2026, with interviews scheduled to take place on Thursday, 26th March 2026.

North Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment.

Careers & Employability Manager employer: North Kent College

North Kent College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment that prioritises student progression and employability. With a commitment to professional development, staff enjoy 33 days of annual leave, access to a pension scheme, and the opportunity to work in a dynamic team dedicated to shaping the future of young people. The College's strong Ofsted rating and modern facilities further enhance the rewarding experience of working here.
North Kent College

Contact Detail:

North Kent College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Careers & Employability Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and careers sector. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its values. Understand their approach to careers education and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Get comfortable answering common questions and articulating your vision for the role. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn in the hot seat.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at North Kent College.

We think you need these skills to ace Careers & Employability Manager

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Strategic Thinking
Data Analysis
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Quality Assurance
Career Guidance
Project Management
Compliance Knowledge
Safeguarding Awareness
Communication Skills
Innovative Thinking
Collaboration Skills
Budget Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Careers & Employability Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around leadership and strategic thinking.

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for student progression and employability shine through in your application. We want to see how you can inspire and develop a team while maintaining high standards of quality assurance.

Be Data-Driven: Since the role involves analysing data to drive service improvements, include examples of how you've used data insights in your previous roles. This will show us you're ready to take on the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through the North Kent College staff vacancies page. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at North Kent College

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the CEIAG strategy and the Matrix and Gatsby benchmarks. Brush up on the latest trends in careers education and guidance, as well as any recent developments at North Kent College. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the institution's mission.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them. Highlight your ability to develop strong internal partnerships and how you’ve previously managed budgets or projects effectively.

✨Data-Driven Decision Making

Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to drive service improvements in your previous roles. Bring examples of performance data you’ve analysed and how it influenced your strategies. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to continuous improvement.

✨Passion for Student Progression

Express your enthusiasm for student employability and progression during the interview. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting students. This will resonate well with the interviewers, as they are looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.

Careers & Employability Manager
North Kent College
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