At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality improvement and innovation in teaching and learning across the college.
- Company: Sheffield College, a diverse and inclusive education community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to transforming lives through learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures and foster a culture of excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 52968 - 61405 £ per year.
About us
The Sheffield College is a thriving further and higher education community, empowering around 13,000 learners each year to achieve their goals. Driven by our mission to transform lives through learning, we foster an inclusive environment recognised through our 2026 Investors in Diversity Gold award and 3rd-place ranking in the National Centre for Diversity's 2025 Top 100 Most Inclusive UK Employers.
About the role
We have high aspirations and standards for ourselves and our learners, and this role will be a key one in supporting the college's mission to be consistently great and ensure our students get the qualifications and skills they need to go further in employment, careers, apprenticeships, further training, and university level courses. This role will specifically support our ambitions to be a great place to learn.
Key Objectives:
- To lead with the implementation of the college's improvement approaches related to teaching, learning and assessment.
- To lead on the professional development approaches of all teachers and delivery staff, ensuring excellence is the norm at the college.
- To lead and implement approaches and methods related to education technology, ensuring technology is harnessed and improves outcomes for all provision types.
- To contribute to sustained performance improvement across all provision types.
Main Responsibilities:
As a member of the College Leadership Team (CLT), this post will contribute to the CLT's common goals. To achieve these specific duties, include, but are not limited to:
- To provide visionary and creative leadership of teaching, learning and assessment across all college provision.
- Contribute and support with the implementation of the College's approaches for teaching, learning and assessment.
- Develop approaches that foster an ethos of continuous improvement to ensure all students experience high quality teaching, learning and assessment.
- To be research focused and promote a culture of excellence and innovation in teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring staff have access to up-to-date knowledge and thinking in respect of the latest research related to pedagogy.
- To develop advanced teaching and learning practitioners ensuring their impact on teaching, learning and assessment and capitalising on ideas and innovation to further enhance teaching, learning and assessment practices.
- Support and advise on all matters regarding teaching, learning and the student experience to develop and maintain continuous improvement in the quality of teaching, learning and assessment.
- To lead on the process of recruitment and induction of new teachers, devising plans that utilise our advanced practitioners to support new teachers to flourish.
- Oversee the development and implementation of relevant policies, procedures and quality initiatives linked to teaching, learning and assessment.
- To integrate and promote the use of digital learning technologies in teaching, learning and assessment.
- Help develop a culture of support and appropriate learning environments that encourage staff and students to experiment with learning technology and establish new practices.
- Lead and manage the E-Learning Team to use research-informed decisions on technology enhanced learning to ensure cost-effective deployment of new equipment and/or techniques.
- Undertake research that assists the drive to innovative teaching, learning and assessment practices.
- Undertake scholarly activities that achieve effective and continuous professional updating.
- Use relevant data analysis at Academy level to support and bring about improvements.
- Providing regular management information to relevant parties.
- Work closely with the People Development Manager to plan, develop and implement initiatives for the continuing professional development of teachers and curriculum staff.
- Provide dynamic, visible and effective leadership and direction across the college, ensuring that a solutions focused and supportive culture of continuing professional development inspires, enables, empowers and motivates staff to achieve high standards of performance.
- Support in the business planning process, ensuring strategic plans for teacher development and innovation are planned in correspondence to the College's business planning procedures, including supporting in the budgetary planning.
What we can offer you
As the successful candidate, you will be offered a salary of between £52,968 - £61,405 per annum based upon a combination of the skills, knowledge and experience that you can bring to the role. Alongside your salary, your pension is one of the most valuable benefits of joining the College. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), administered locally by SYPA, provides financial security in retirement and support for your loved ones.
Our Full Benefits Package:
- SYPA with a generous employer contribution
- Annual leave - 30 Days (222 hours)
- 8 Bank Holidays (59.2 hours) - this includes a discretionary Christmas closure period
- Health and wellbeing, we offer Employee assistance programme through Bupa
- Occupational Health through PAM
- Free eye tests for VDU users
- Free parking is available at the majority of our campuses
- Hybrid and flexible working opportunities
- Continuous professional development opportunities
- A people-focused working culture where you can grow and thrive
Disability Confident
We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to removing barriers for applicants with a disability during our recruitment process, upon appointment and as an employee. Please review our Recruitment Guidelines for Disabled Candidates which provides further information on reasonable adjustments and how the Disability Confident scheme works in practice. If you require any reasonable adjustments or any support at any point throughout the process, please contact us.
Armed Forces Covenant
As part of our commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant, we're pledged to support the Armed Forces Community. Recognising the value Personnel, Veterans and military families contribute to our community and country.
Safeguarding
We are an employer who is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students. Successful applicants will be required to have an enhanced DBS check and will be subject to safer recruiting procedures. Further details on our safer recruiting procedures, including the employment of ex-offenders can be found here.
Next Steps:
To apply: Click apply online and follow the links to complete the online application. For queries regarding the application process, please contact the Recruitment Team. As a Leader in Diversity employer, we encourage applications from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Closing date: 21st of June 2026. Please be aware if we have a high number of applications, we may decide to close the vacancy earlier.
Locations
Director of Quality Improvement and Innovation in Sheffield, Yorkshire employer: The Sheffield College
The Sheffield College is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that empowers staff and students alike. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a culture that prioritises innovation in teaching and learning, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of around 13,000 learners each year. Located in a vibrant educational community, the college offers flexible working opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Quality Improvement and Innovation in Sheffield, Yorkshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their mission of transforming lives through learning.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvement in teaching and learning in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Quality Improvement and Innovation in Sheffield, Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and quality improvement shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to transform lives through learning.
Be Specific:Use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership in teaching, learning, and assessment. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key objectives and responsibilities outlined in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism throughout your application. A personal touch can make your application stand out, but keep it relevant to the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sheffield College
✨Know the College's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you understand The Sheffield College's mission to transform lives through learning. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they aim to foster an inclusive environment. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Quality Improvement and Innovation, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in educational settings. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate staff towards continuous improvement and excellence in teaching and learning.
✨Emphasise Technology Integration
Given the role's focus on education technology, be ready to discuss your experience with integrating digital tools into teaching and learning. Share specific examples of how you've used technology to enhance student outcomes and foster innovative practices within a college or educational setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges the college might face in quality improvement and innovation, and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your strategic thinking and ability to implement effective solutions.
