At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in careers and employability strategies for students.
- Company: Join Trafford & Stockport College Group, a community-focused educational institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, generous pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's futures and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in FE, CEIAG, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and student success.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 57700 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: Management contract/Head of Dept scale - (ÂŁ54,258 - ÂŁ66,072)
Location: Altrincham (travel will be required to all campuses across the group)
The Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG) has an opportunity for an experienced Head of Careers and Employability to join the Student Experience team to help us achieve our vision of unlocking potential and fostering success.
The Role: Are you a visionary leader with a passion for shaping futures, driving employability, and building powerful partnerships? TSCG is seeking an exceptional Head of Careers and Employability to lead our ambitious, learner‑centred strategy across CEIAG, work‑related learning, T Level industry placements, and school engagement. In this influential role, you will drive a future‑focused, intelligence‑led approach that ensures every learner is fully prepared for their next steps—whether higher education, apprenticeships, or employment—while strengthening our strategic relationships with schools and employers to build sustainable recruitment pipelines. With responsibility for multiple specialist teams across the Group, you will champion excellence, shape impactful initiatives, and ensure our work aligns with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, Gatsby Benchmarks and local labour market priorities. If you are a collaborative, strategic leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, we want to hear from you. Join us in delivering our vision of unlocking potential and fostering success for every learner.
About you: If you are passionate about delivering a quality of service that enables young people to thrive and are eager to share your knowledge, skills, and experience about supporting young people on their career pathway then this is the role for you. We are seeking an individual who is a strategic, confident leader with strong experience in FE, CEIAG, employability or school engagement. They should be data‑driven, forward‑thinking, and able to turn insights into impactful action. A great fit is collaborative, builds strong partnerships with schools and employers, and communicates well at all levels. They will be motivated by improving learner outcomes, especially for vulnerable and disadvantaged students, and comfortable overseeing multiple teams across campuses. Resilient, organised and adaptable, they can balance strategic vision with high‑quality operational delivery in a fast‑moving environment.
About TSCG – Making a difference together: At Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG), we’re more than just a workplace – we’re a community where everyone belongs. Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. It doesn’t matter if you’re teaching in the classroom, working behind the scenes, or leading from the front, your role makes a real difference. Becoming part of TSCG means joining an ambitious, forward‑thinking college group dedicated to shaping brilliant futures. Whether you’re supporting learners on their journey, driving innovation, or helping to build strong employer partnerships, you’ll be part of a team that believes in collaboration, growth, and making a positive impact.
Exceptional Benefits Package:
- 40 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Generous company pension contribution of 20.8%
- Onsite Costa Coffee & Subsidised staff canteen
- Employee Assistance Programme that extends the support to your family members
- Tailored Professional Development plan
- Free onsite Parking
All employees, including senior managers, will normally be appointed to the minimum point of the pay grade for the job. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to appoint to a higher point in the pay grade at the discretion of the Director of HR & Performance due to the candidate’s current salary, experience or qualifications. Staff at Trafford & Stockport College Group go above and beyond to ensure that our students get the best possible teaching and support to enable them to reach their ambitions. We expect the very highest standards for all students, and this is evidenced year after year by our achievement and progression outcomes.
If you are passionate about championing inclusion, fostering positive employee experiences, and making a difference, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. TSCG is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
As part of our commitment to being a Disability Confident Employer, all disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements of the job, as set out in the job description and person specification, will be guaranteed an interview. The Trafford & Stockport College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and expects all staff to share this commitment. Employment at the Trafford & Stockport College Group is subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) Check via the Disclosure and Barring Service and any post in regulated activity will also be subject to an additional barred list check. The Group will meet the costs associated with this. Please note that new guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 requires us to carry out an online search as part of our due diligence on successful candidates. The role is open to direct applicants only. Please note that due to the volume of applications we receive we are unfortunately not able to respond to each applicant. If you have not been called for interview within 3 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. This role may close early please submit your application early to avoid disappointment.
Head of Careers and Employability in Altrincham employer: Trafford & Stockport College Group
Contact Detail:
Trafford & Stockport College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Careers and Employability in Altrincham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Showcase Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through! Share your vision for careers and employability, and how you can make a difference at TSCG.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on TSCG and its values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of unlocking potential and fostering success. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Follow Up
After interviews or networking events, don’t forget to send a quick thank-you note. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Careers and Employability in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for shaping futures and driving employability shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our vision at TSCG!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in FE, CEIAG, and employability. We’re looking for someone who can turn insights into impactful action, so showcase those skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your collaborative approach and how you’ve built strong partnerships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and consider you for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford & Stockport College Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into TSCG's mission and values. Understand their approach to careers and employability, especially how they align with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and Gatsby Benchmarks. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely invested in their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Careers and Employability, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, built partnerships, and driven initiatives in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and motivate others to achieve shared goals.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Since the role requires a data-driven approach, come prepared with insights from your past experiences. Discuss how you've used data to inform strategies and improve learner outcomes, particularly for vulnerable and disadvantaged students. This will highlight your analytical skills and commitment to making a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about TSCG’s current initiatives, challenges they face in employability, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.