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- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and partnerships to enhance technical education and workforce skills.
- Company: Join the Greater Birmingham & Solihull IoT, a leader in engineering and manufacturing education.
- Benefits: Enjoy potential for role extension, collaboration with top universities, and impactful community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a difference by inspiring young talent and shaping the future of technical education.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in education or industry, with a focus on engineering and manufacturing.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role until July 2026, with strong potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Fixed term in the first instance to 31st July 2026. N.B The DfE have this month agreed that all IoTs will be relicensed until 2028, and that all IoTs should continue to operate as business as usual. Whilst this post is advertised until July 2026 there is a high potential for the role to be extended to be in line with the policies set out in the post-16 skills strategy to at least 2028.
The government has established high-quality Institutes of Technology (IoTs) to provide employers with a skilled workforce and students with a clear route to technical employment. The Greater Birmingham & Solihull IoT (GBSIoT) specialises in Engineering and Manufacturing and is a consortium led by Solihull College & University Centre, working alongside Aston University; Birmingham City University; South and City College Birmingham; BMet College and the University College Birmingham, supported by the University of Birmingham.
We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Operations Director to provide strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of GBSIoT's work including with its education partners and stakeholders. With a passion for driving strong collaborations and knowledge and experience of manufacturing and engineering either through curriculum expertise or industry experience, GBSIoT is looking for a candidate with a track record of senior leadership and partnership working to take our work forward.
As the GBSIoT Operations Director, you must be able to develop and drive our ambitions particularly around Higher Technical Education and outreach, inspiring more young people to enter the sector and progress into the higher skilled opportunities the sector offers. You will support academic colleagues, lead strategic partnerships with stakeholders such as the Department for Education (DfE) and the West Midlands Combined Authority, and inspire innovation in employer responsive skills development.
Operations Director GBSIoT employer: Solihull College & University Centre
Contact Detail:
Solihull College & University Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director GBSIoT
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and engineering sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the Greater Birmingham & Solihull IoT and its partners thoroughly. Understanding their mission, values, and current projects will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in fostering collaborations. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or partnerships in the past, particularly in educational or technical contexts.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in higher technical education and skills development. Being knowledgeable about current policies and initiatives in the sector will position you as a forward-thinking candidate who can drive innovation at GBSIoT.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director GBSIoT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Operations Director position at GBSIoT. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in senior leadership roles, particularly in manufacturing and engineering. Provide specific examples of how you've driven collaborations and partnerships in previous positions.
Showcase Your Passion: Demonstrate your enthusiasm for Higher Technical Education and outreach initiatives. Share any relevant projects or experiences that illustrate your commitment to inspiring young people in the sector.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of GBSIoT. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application resonates with the hiring team and showcases your alignment with their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solihull College & University Centre
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Operations Director role and how it fits within the GBSIoT framework. Familiarise yourself with the strategic goals of the organisation, especially around Higher Technical Education and outreach initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of this position. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in manufacturing or engineering sectors.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to share examples of how you've built and maintained partnerships in the past. Emphasise your ability to inspire collaboration among educational institutions and industry partners.
✨Express Your Passion for Education
Convey your enthusiasm for driving change in education, particularly in technical fields. Discuss any initiatives you've been involved in that aimed to inspire young people to pursue careers in engineering and manufacturing.
