Overview
South Thames Colleges Group is seeking a Group Head of Employability to provide strategic leadership for employability across the College Group, ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach to employer engagement and work placement opportunities across all colleges. The successful candidate will commence no earlier than August 2026 as the role is funded for the 2026/27 academic year onwards.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership for employability across the College Group, ensuring consistent quality across colleges.
* Line‑manage Heads of Employability in each college, supporting cohesive planning, delivery and evaluation of employability‑related activities.
* Develop and implement initiatives so that all students benefit from meaningful employer interactions and develop essential employability skills.
* Prepare the College Group for delivery of T Levels, including planning and quality assurance of industry placements.
* Monitor progress of colleges toward set targets, ensure adherence to health and safety regulations and maintain robust systems for recording, reviewing and quality‑assuring placements.
* Coordinate employer‑led activities for 16–19, T‑Levels, apprentices and HE students, such as Employability Weeks, Careers Fairs, industry‑specific events and guest speaker programmes.
* Develop and maintain strategic relationships with employers, employer networks and industry representatives to enhance opportunities for student progression into work or further training.
Qualifications
* Degree or relevant professional qualification in employability, education, business or a related field.
* Proven track record of leading, managing and developing staff at both senior and cross‑organisational levels.
* Strong understanding of curriculum development, accreditation, validation and progression pathways, plus comprehensive knowledge of quality assurance and improvement processes.
* Significant experience in leading employer engagement strategies and building sustainable partnerships.
* Experience of work‑based learning provision, including T Levels, apprenticeships and vocational placements.
* Eligibility for salary increase under the annual cost‑of‑living review for the new academic year.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave of 37 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year.
* Additional 5 days wellbeing leave.
* Excellent pension scheme with significant employer contribution (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme).
* Subsidised sports facilities.
* Professional development and training opportunities.
* Salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
Application Process
Closing date for the return of completed applications is 7th June 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 15th June 2026.
Requirements for Successful Applicants
Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Equal Opportunities
South Thames Colleges Group is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and encourage applications from individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
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