Careers Lead in Milton Keynes

SMKT is seeking an ambitious, passionate, and innovative Careers Lead to develop and deliver an outstanding careers education programme that empowers young people to achieve their aspirations and succeed in their chosen pathways.

As Careers Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping students' futures by providing strategic leadership for careers education, information, advice, and guidance (CEIAG) across the trust. You will work closely with students, families, employers, universities, apprenticeship providers, and staff to ensure every learner is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to make informed decisions about their future.

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of the trust's careers programme.
• Ensure compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks and relevant statutory guidance.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, higher education institutions, apprenticeship providers, and community organisations.
• Coordinate meaningful employer encounters, work experience opportunities, careers fairs, and enrichment activities.
• Track and evaluate student destinations and progression outcomes.
• Support students with careers planning, post-16 and post-18 pathways, apprenticeships, higher education, and employment opportunities.
• Manage careers-related events and initiatives across the trust.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders, teaching staff, and external stakeholders to embed careers education throughout the curriculum.

• Has experience in careers education, guidance, employability, youth development, or a related field.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Has a strong understanding of education pathways, apprenticeships, higher education, and labour market information.
• Is highly organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes and opportunities for young people.
• Holds, or is willing to work towards, a relevant careers qualification.

• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Access to a network of educational professionals across the trust.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Stephenson MK Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and other pre-employment checks in line with statutory guidance, including KCSIE. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.