At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality improvement in teaching and learning for creative industries.
- Company: Join a vibrant college dedicated to inclusive creative education.
- Benefits: 35 days annual leave, well-being days, and employee assistance programme.
- Why this job: Shape the future of creative education and make a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Teaching qualification and relevant experience in quality assurance required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have a great opportunity at our City Campus Manchester to join our Creative Industries and Quality team as Head of Department for Quality on a permanent, full time (35 hours) basis. As a Head of Department Quality, you will lead activity designed to continually improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment to the highest standards possible and the outcomes achieved by students, with a particular focus on the degree of progress our students make from their starting points when they join the College.
You will be part of the departmental management team for your business area, line managed by the Assistant Principal of Creative Industries. This role is uniquely different to Departmental Head of Department roles in that you will be part of the management structure for your own business area but at the same time, as a member of the Quality Team, your work and priorities will also be directed by the Vice-Principal for Quality.
The Creative Industries is an exciting and dynamic business area with departments in Media, Music, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. We deliver Pearson and UAL qualifications to 16-18 year olds across Levels 1 – 3 in addition to a small and established Adult provision. We are proud to deliver an inclusive creative education curriculum that helps individuals and communities to thrive. Creative education can help to shape the worlds we live in and imagine for ourselves and improve the lives of people and places.
Our approach to teaching is founded on skills and knowledge as well as experiential learning through curiosity, collaboration, responsibility, sustainability, hard work and play. Our high-profile partnerships with Greater Manchester’s Creative Industries stakeholders offer our students exceptional opportunities to learn, work and network in exciting venues such as Band on The Wall, Manchester Art Gallery, BBC and the Royal Exchange Theatre.
We are looking for an experienced, quality-focused colleague to work as Head of Department, Quality with our Assistant Principal, Heads of Department and specialist teachers to achieve ambitious qualitative and quantitative targets. This is a particularly exciting time for Creative Industries as we set out our strategic 5-year plan incorporating challenging curriculum reform.
Role Responsibilities
Please see Job profile line for an overview of general role responsibilities.
35 days paid annual leave plus 8 bank holidays. 3 well-being days per year. Employee Assistance Program. Cycle to work scheme.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will need to:
- Recognised teaching qualification.
- Degree level qualification or relevant professional qualification(s) and/or appropriate level and range of relevant industrial experience.
- Numeracy and literacy skills (to level 2 or equivalent).
- Qualified to deliver curriculum, internally verify, and moderate qualifications awards.
- Reliable, practical understanding of effective teaching, learning and assessment strategies and of local, regional, and national skills and training needs.
- Have a thorough understanding of quality assurance systems used in the learning and skills sector, including a strong understanding of the Education Inspection Framework.
- Have a strong appreciation of FE funding requirements and methodologies and current issues affecting the Further Education sector.
Safeguarding
The LTE Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be required to undergo an appropriate DBS check via the Criminal Records Bureau and may be subject to additional online checks as part of our pre-screening process. Some roles are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and would require an Enhanced DBS check.
At The Manchester College, we’re committed to providing an environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, or victimisation, where all members of our community are treated with respect and dignity. The Manchester College is committed to working in an inclusive way with all the communities where we are geographically located and to developing a workforce and student community that reflects Greater Manchester’s and the UK’s rich diversity and vibrancy.
Closing dates and assessment
The closing date for this job advert is 04th February 2026 at 12 noon. However, sometimes the job advert may close early if we receive a good response! Assessment Day / Interviews will be held on 11th February 2026, if successful in your application you will need to ensure you are available for the whole day.
Head of Department - Quality in Manchester employer: The Manchester College
Contact Detail:
The Manchester College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department - Quality in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the college or in similar roles. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in quality assurance in education. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s our turn in the hot seat.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - Quality in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Department - Quality. We want to see how you can contribute to improving teaching and learning standards, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Passion for Quality: In your written application, let us know why quality in education matters to you. Share examples of how you've previously improved quality in teaching or assessment, as this will resonate with our commitment to high standards.
Be Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences that match the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our Creative Industries and Quality team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Manchester College
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with the latest quality assurance systems and the Education Inspection Framework. Be ready to discuss how you can implement these standards in the Creative Industries context, showcasing your understanding of effective teaching and assessment strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in driving improvements in teaching and learning outcomes, and be ready to discuss how you would motivate and support your colleagues in achieving ambitious targets.
✨Understand the Creative Landscape
Research the current trends and challenges in the Creative Industries sector, especially in Greater Manchester. Being able to discuss local partnerships and how they can enhance student opportunities will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific challenges related to quality improvement or curriculum reform. Think through your responses, focusing on practical solutions and your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders within the college.
