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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in education and skills, shaping the future workforce.
- Company: Reputable organisation with a strong commitment to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on apprenticeship delivery and workforce development across the UK.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in Further Education or vocational training required.
- Other info: Hybrid role with options for a 4-day work week and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 62000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of Skills in a Critical UK Industry! We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Head of Education and Skills to lead and future-proof a nationally recognised Further Education and apprenticeship provision within a specialist industrial sector. This is a senior leadership role with genuine influence. You will take full strategic and operational ownership of apprenticeship delivery and commercial training programmes, ensuring outstanding quality, regulatory compliance, and exceptional learner and employer experiences.
Working at the heart of a well-established organisation with a long-standing reputation for excellence, you will play a pivotal role in developing the workforce of the future and responding to the evolving needs of industry. You will be a credible, experienced senior leader from a Further Education or vocational training background, with a strong record of delivering high-quality apprenticeship and commercial provision. This role is hybrid, office based in Darlington for 3-4 days a week, working from home for the remainder of the week. There is also an option for a 4-day condensed working week with Fridays off.
SALARY/BENEFITS:
- £50-£55K starting salary
- Excellent Company Benefits Package
- Flexible and friendly working environment
- Options for a 4-day condensed working week with Fridays off
- Access to private Health Care
- 25 days holiday plus Statutory Holidays plus your birthday off
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE:
- Extensive senior leadership experience within Further Education or vocational training
- In-depth knowledge of Ofsted frameworks, quality assurance, and compliance
- Strong understanding of apprenticeship standards, FE funding models, and accreditation
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver strategic change
- Experience developing curricula aligned to employer and industry needs
- Proven understanding of FE funding streams such as Adult Skills Fund, Skills Bootcamps, Free Courses for Jobs, Local/Devolved Funding, and Lifelong Learning Entitlement
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, and learner welfare
Locations
Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington, North East employer: Oakmoor Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Oakmoor Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington, North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s your turn to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in real-time! If you get the chance, bring examples of your work or even propose a mini-project related to the role. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and genuinely interested.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Education & Skills in Darlington, North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Further Education and vocational training. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Education & Skills, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive strategic change. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully managed resources and improved educational outcomes.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Since this role involves Ofsted inspection planning and compliance, make sure to mention your familiarity with quality assurance frameworks. We’re looking for someone who can ensure outstanding quality and regulatory compliance, so share any relevant experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakmoor Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in Further Education and vocational training. Brush up on Ofsted frameworks and apprenticeship standards, as these will likely come up in conversation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven strategic change in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve improved quality assurance or compliance. This will help demonstrate your capability to manage and develop a high-performing education and training team.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively engaged with various stakeholders in the past. Whether it’s employers, learners, or regulatory bodies, showcasing your communication skills and ability to build relationships will be crucial. Consider preparing a few anecdotes that highlight your stakeholder engagement successes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's current initiatives and future goals in education and skills. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and vision for workforce development.
