At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop innovative Books & Bindings programmes while inspiring students.
- Company: Join West Dean College, a unique creative hub in the South Downs National Park.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and a vibrant community focused on creativity and sustainability.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values craftsmanship and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of bookbinding education in a supportive and inspiring environment.
- Qualifications: BA or equivalent experience in Books & Bindings with teaching and administrative skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: West Dean College, West Sussex
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Up to 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (0.4 or 0.6 FTE)
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum, pro rata for part-time
Join West Dean College
West Dean is a unique place to work, combining internationally recognised education in arts, design, craft and conservation with award-winning gardens, historic collections and a working estate in the South Downs National Park. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Subject Leader – Books & Bindings to provide academic and operational leadership for our specialist Books programmes.
The role
- Working closely with the Head of School and fellow Subject Leaders, you will play a key role in the day-to-day organisation, delivery and continued development of the curriculum.
- You will contribute to teaching, assessment, curriculum planning and programme development, helping to ensure an engaging and high-quality learning experience for our students.
- You will provide academic guidance and tutorial support, coordinate visiting lecturers and specialist contributors, and build strong professional relationships both within the College and across the wider Books & Bindings sector.
- The role will also involve contributing to student recruitment activities, quality assurance, external engagement, Health & Safety, resource planning and the organisation of relevant study visits.
About you
- You will have a BA or equivalent Level 6 qualification, or equivalent professional experience, together with demonstrable professional practice in Books & Bindings.
- You will bring experience of teaching, assessment and administration within Further or Higher Education and have a strong understanding of practical and creative bookbinding, including the relevant history and theory.
- You will also have excellent organisational and administrative skills, strong communication and relationship-building skills, confidence using IT and Microsoft Office, and an understanding of workshop and Health & Safety best practice.
- You will be able to manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, contribute positively to a team and build strong relationships with students, colleagues and external contacts.
- Experience in quality assurance, Virtual Learning Environments and blended or hybrid delivery would be desirable.
Why join West Dean?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a specialist subject area within one of the UK's most distinctive creative and cultural education environments. You will join a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and inclusivity, while helping to support and inspire the next generation of practitioners.
Deadline for applications: 28 August 2026
The vacancy may close earlier if sufficient applications are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews are scheduled to take place on 3 September 2026.
Subject Leader - Books & Bindings employer: Novatech Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Leader - Books & Bindings
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We think you need these skills to ace Subject Leader - Books & Bindings
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