Curriculum Manager Animal Management in North East

About The College

Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College’s second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. Part of Education Partnership North East, Kirkley Hall offers a unique and inspiring environment. Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, the campus provides access to specialist, industry-standard facilities that support practical, hands-on learning. Our on-site residential provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025, enabling students from across the UK to take advantage of the exceptional opportunities available here.

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

About the Candidate

We are seeking an experienced and motivated curriculum leader with strong knowledge of the animal sector. The successful candidate will be a changemaker who can lead people, provision and performance, and who is committed to delivering high-quality, industry-relevant education. You will bring experience of curriculum leadership and operational management, with a strong understanding of teaching, learning and assessment in a post-16 or further education context. You will lead by example, demonstrating academic and professional excellence, and inspiring teams to innovate and continuously improve. You will have proven experience of managing and developing teams, including performance management, staff deployment and supporting professional development. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to work effectively with awarding organisations, employers and external partners. The role requires a high level of professionalism and integrity. You will be committed to safeguarding and PREVENT, the promotion of British Values, equality, diversity and inclusion, and maintaining a safe learning and working environment. You will understand the importance of confidentiality, data protection and information security, and will comply fully with college policies and mandatory training requirements. Flexibility is essential, as you may work across college sites and travel to other locations as required to support teams and attend meetings.

About the Role

The Curriculum Manager – Animal Management will provide strategic, operational and academic leadership for a specialist curriculum area aligned to the needs of learners, employers and the land-based sector. The role is responsible for the effective management, development and delivery of high-quality programmes that meet awarding organisation, funding and quality requirements. You will lead curriculum design, review and innovation, ensuring all provision is internally and externally validated and remains current, sustainable and future-focused. The role includes responsibility for operational curriculum management, quality assurance, self-assessment and quality improvement planning, and preparation for internal and external inspections. You will lead teaching, learning and assessment within the curriculum area, modelling excellent practice, promoting innovative and engaging approaches, and embedding effective use of digital and industry-relevant learning technologies. Delivery of teaching will form part of the role, in line with the lecturer job description. The role includes line management of teaching and support staff, ensuring effective performance management, staff deployment, timetabling and cover arrangements to achieve agreed targets and outstanding learner outcomes. You will ensure accurate records are maintained, awarding organisation requirements are met, and health, safety and safeguarding responsibilities are upheld at all times. The postholder will work collaboratively across the college, participate in recruitment and marketing activities, support new and trainee teachers, and undertake such other duties as are reasonably required and appropriate to the grade of the post.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Animal Management programmes, ensuring high-quality, industry-relevant curriculum delivery and continuous improvement.
• Lead teaching, learning and assessment, modelling excellent practice and promoting innovative approaches that enhance learner outcomes and progression.
• Line manage and develop curriculum teams, ensuring effective performance management, staff deployment, timetabling and professional development.
• Oversee quality assurance, self-assessment and quality improvement planning, ensuring compliance with awarding organisation, funding and inspection requirements.
• Manage external relationships with awarding organisations, employers and sector partners to maintain credibility, relevance and progression opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, PREVENT, health and safety, data protection and college policies, maintaining accurate records and meeting agreed performance targets.

Qualifications

• Appropriate degree or equivalent PGCE or relevant teacher training qualification
• Level 2 English and maths qualifications

Essential Skills & Experience

• Recent and relevant experience in Further Education/Higher Education including curriculum development, improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and raising standards of student progress and destination.
• Successfully leading and managing a team
• Evidence of collecting and acting upon data analysis accurately
• Experience of working in the Land-based sector
• Evidence of outstanding teaching demonstrating positive impact
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders

Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)

• Understanding of HE review
• Experience of managing budgets

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package. Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays. Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role). LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%). Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more. We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans. Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Free parking on most campuses. Free Gym access available at Bede Campus.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive. We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.