Head of Careers and Employability in Huddersfield

Head of Careers and Employability in Huddersfield

Huddersfield Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and innovate careers strategies to enhance graduate outcomes.
  • Company: Join a supportive university team dedicated to student success.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, professional growth opportunities, and a strong commitment to diversity.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures and shape employability practices.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in higher education careers and strong data analysis skills.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent partnerships and career development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Make a measurable difference to our graduates’ futures. We’re looking for an inspiring and data-savvy leader to head up our Careers & Employability activities, driving strategy, innovation and partnerships that translate into outstanding graduate outcomes across the University.

Where this role sits

You’ll join the Student Services Directorate, a collaborative team comprising six specialist departments: Active Hud (Sports), Wellbeing, Disability, Student Engagement & Attendance Monitoring, Business Support, and Careers. Together, around 100 colleagues champion student success, engagement and belonging across Huddersfield.

What you’ll lead

You will lead a team of around 35 colleagues across Careers & Employability, the Global Professional Award (GPA), and Placements, galvanising staff, systems and partnerships to deliver high-quality careers education, bespoke guidance, and impactful work-based opportunities.

What you’ll do

  • Set and deliver a strategy that improves Graduate Outcomes and associated KPIs, aligning provision with labour market needs and academic priorities.
  • Use evidence brilliantly, turning Graduate Outcomes data and labour market intelligence into actionable plans, targeted interventions and clear reporting for senior stakeholders.
  • Lead digital innovation in careers delivery; oversee platforms and workflows as system owner for Target Connect and InPlace, ensuring accessible student experiences.
  • Strengthen external relationships, deepening employer engagement locally, nationally and internationally, and contributing through sector networks such as AGCAS, WYCA and Yorkshire Universities.
  • Safeguard compliance & mitigate risk across placements and attendance (UKVI, PSRB, DBS).
  • Champion inclusion and student partnership, embedding EDI and co-creation so our provision is accessible, responsive and high impact for every student.
  • Play a key part in the Directorate’s leadership team, working closely with the Director of Student Services and peers across all departments to enhance the overall student experience.

What we’re looking for

  • A credible leader in HE careers/employability with a track record of delivering service improvement.
  • Strength in people leadership, budget and project management, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Confident with data and insight, turning analysis into decisions that move metrics.
  • Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to co-creating services with students.

Why Huddersfield?

  • Real scope to shape strategy and practice across a high-profile, University-wide agenda.
  • A supportive, collaborative Directorate with strong employer and civic partnerships in West Yorkshire and beyond.
  • Investment in your professional growth and the tools you need to innovate.

We offer an excellent employment package including hybrid working, blending a mix of remote and on-campus working (dependent on work duties). The University is deeply committed to equality and diversity for all its students and staff. We seek to be diverse and inclusive, supporting individuals and groups to fulfil their potential and nurture a sense of belonging. We strive to be an accessible, inclusive employer, removing barriers for all.

Head of Careers and Employability in Huddersfield employer: The University of Huddersfield

Join the University of Huddersfield as the Head of Careers and Employability, where you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on graduates' futures within a supportive and collaborative environment. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the University offers excellent professional growth opportunities, hybrid working arrangements, and a chance to lead innovative strategies that enhance student employability. Be part of a dedicated team that champions student success and engagement across a vibrant community in West Yorkshire.
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Contact Detail:

The University of Huddersfield Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Careers and Employability in Huddersfield

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Confidence is key!

✨Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Careers and Employability in Huddersfield

Leadership in Higher Education
Data Analysis
Strategic Planning
Project Management
Stakeholder Engagement
Budget Management
Digital Innovation
Labour Market Intelligence
Compliance and Risk Management
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
Partnership Development
Career Education Delivery
Student Engagement
Co-creation with Students

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Careers and Employability role. Highlight your experience in leading teams, managing projects, and using data to drive decisions. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to improve graduate outcomes!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for a credible leader, so don’t hold back on sharing examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Use specific metrics or outcomes to demonstrate your impact and how you can galvanise staff and partnerships at Huddersfield.

Emphasise Your Commitment to EDI: Equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of what we do. Make sure to include any relevant experiences or initiatives that showcase your commitment to these values. We want to know how you’ve championed inclusion and co-created services with students.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic team.

How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Huddersfield

✨Know Your Data

As a Head of Careers and Employability, you'll need to be confident with data. Brush up on how to interpret Graduate Outcomes data and labour market intelligence. Be ready to discuss how you would turn this data into actionable plans that improve graduate outcomes.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role requires strong people leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in higher education settings. Highlight your approach to galvanising staff and fostering collaboration within a diverse team.

✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Vision

Think about how you would set and deliver a strategy for improving graduate outcomes. Be prepared to share your vision for aligning careers provision with labour market needs and academic priorities, and how you would measure success through KPIs.

✨Emphasise Inclusion and Partnership

The role champions inclusion and student partnership. Be ready to discuss your commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and provide examples of how you've co-created services with students or strengthened external relationships to enhance employability.

Head of Careers and Employability in Huddersfield
The University of Huddersfield
Location: Huddersfield
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