At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a high-impact curriculum in Technical Industries for 16 to 18 learners.
- Company: Join East Kent Colleges Group, a rising college with modern facilities and a strong community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, competitive pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in technical education and inspire the next generation.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and teaching qualification required; experience in curriculum planning essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to innovate in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead technical education where space, ambition and opportunity go further. East Kent Colleges Group is seeking an ambitious Head of Technical Industries to join EKC Sheppey College, leading and shaping a high-impact curriculum offer at a college on the rise.
As Head of Curriculum, you will lead a diverse and future-focused programme area spanning Engineering, Maths, Digital and Creative Media, and Construction for 16 to 18 learners, alongside Engineering and Digital pathways within our growing 14 to 16 Junior College provision. You will champion high standards, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and inspire teams to deliver teaching, learning and outcomes that aspire to be outstanding.
In your role as Head of Department, you will hold responsibility for the quality of provision across your curriculum area, actively driving excellence in teaching and learning, supporting staff development, and managing a delegated budget with confidence and purpose.
This is a particularly exciting time to join Sheppey College. In February 2026, our £7 million purpose-built facilities open, providing state-of-the-art spaces for Engineering, logistics, and digital design, production and development. Student numbers are growing, and our technical offer is expanding rapidly, with T Levels in Engineering and Digital and logistics apprenticeships launching over the next 12 to 24 months.
Based on the Isle of Sheppey, this role offers a rare combination of strategic influence, modern facilities and room to innovate, with the added benefit of working in a location that offers shorter commutes, open space, coastal surroundings and a strong sense of community. It is an environment where leaders can focus on impact, not congestion.
As Head of Curriculum for Technical Industries, you will have the opportunity to build something new, shape provision from the ground up, and leave a visible legacy for learners, staff and the wider community.
Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave - 38 days FTE per annum
- Competitive Pension Scheme - 28% employer contribution
- Learning and Development Opportunities - 3-4 annual paid group development days and bespoke programmes e.g. Senior Leadership Development Programme and strong internal progression-1 in 3 roles are filled internally
- Culture and Recognition - Being part of Community Days, an Annual Staff Celebration Day, and an eco-friendly organisation dedicated to reaching net-zero by 2030
- Wellbeing and Health Support - Generous sick pay, health checks, free flu jabs, free eye tests, glasses vouchers, flexible support for medical appointments and return-to-work support
- Exclusive Discounts & Perks - Inc. restaurant, grocery, retail and holidays discounts as well as car leasing and tech purchasing schemes
- Flexible Personal Leave - Time off for your child's first day at nursery or school, moving homes and for interviews
About You
We are seeking an experienced, innovative and proactive leader to join our management team and help shape the future of the Technical Industries department. You will be responsible for delivering high-quality curriculum provision across all pathways, including our 14 to 16 Junior College provision, ensuring the right support is in place for learners to thrive and achieve in a dynamic teaching and learning environment.
You will bring a strong track record of raising standards, a genuine passion for technical education, and a can-do approach that motivates and inspires your team. Current industry knowledge and a strong understanding of industry practice are essential. The role includes teaching hours, primarily delivering Engineering (manufacturing and production) or Maths up to GCSE level, so experience of planning and delivering these subjects is required. A clear focus on excellence, delivery and strategic leadership is also essential.
To Be Successful, You Will
- Hold a degree-level qualification and a recognised teaching qualification (DET, PGCE or CertEd)
- Demonstrate good or outstanding teaching practice
- Have experience of curriculum planning and development
- Show a proven ability to lead and manage professional teams to deliver results
Applying is straightforward. No CV is required. Simply complete our short application form. You can save your progress and we will contact all candidates after the closing date. For an informal discussion or any queries, please email jobs@ekcgroup.ac.uk
Head of Department - Technical Industries in Rochester employer: OnlyFE
Contact Detail:
OnlyFE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department - Technical Industries in Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in technical industries. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, make sure to highlight your genuine enthusiasm for technical education and how you can inspire others. It’s all about making that personal connection.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in technical education. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to shaping a high-impact curriculum at EKC Sheppey College. Knowledge is power!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you can save your progress and come back to it later if needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - Technical Industries in Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out the application form, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for technical education and what makes you tick.
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leading teams and delivering high-quality curriculum. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others, so share specific examples of how you've raised standards and motivated your team.
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to read through the job description and align your application with what we’re looking for. Mention your understanding of industry practices and how you plan to shape the Technical Industries department at Sheppey College.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your answers focused and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon to ensure we understand your qualifications and vision for the role. Remember, applying is easy through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at OnlyFE
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the curriculum areas you’ll be leading, especially Engineering, Maths, Digital and Creative Media, and Construction. Familiarise yourself with current trends and innovations in technical education to demonstrate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you inspire teams to achieve high standards. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved teaching outcomes, as this will highlight your capability to drive excellence in the department.
✨Emphasise Your Industry Knowledge
Since current industry knowledge is essential for this role, be ready to talk about your experience and understanding of industry practices. Share insights on how you can bridge the gap between education and industry needs, especially with the upcoming T Levels and apprenticeships.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Have thoughtful questions ready that show your interest in the college's future and your potential role in shaping it. Ask about the vision for the new facilities opening in 2026 or how they plan to support staff development, which will demonstrate your commitment to both the institution and its people.