Overview
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid / Quorum Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
This is a hybrid working role, so you’ll need to be able to work from our Head Office a minimum of twice a week
Hours per week: 37
Salary: Up to £63,029, depending on experience
About the role
We’re excited to be looking for a Strategic Lead – Inclusive Education and Skills Innovation to join our Commercial team. This newly established role is designed to lead the development of targeted, data-informed solutions that empower both young people and adults and strengthen the wider education and skills ecosystem.
The core purpose of the role is to identify and respond to the needs of underserved and disadvantaged groups—including, but not limited to, those who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), young parents, individuals with disabilities, and the unemployed—where NCFE, as an awarding organisation, can make a meaningful impact.
This is a unique opportunity for a driven, strategic thinker to shape a high-impact programme from the ground up, delivering real change for individuals and communities across the UK.
How you’ll make an impact:
1. Leading a national strategy to improve outcomes and opportunities for underserved groups
2. Shaping inclusive, scalable programmes aligned with NCFEs qualifications and services
3. Collaborating on product development and support robust business cases for new solutions
4. Securing alternative funding to drive innovation and sustainability
5. Building strategic partnerships and influence senior stakeholders across the sector
6. Using data and evidence to inform decisions and demonstrate impact
We’d love to hear from you if you offer the following:
7. Strategic leadership in education and programme development
8. Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills
9. Experience securing alternative funding and investment
10. Deep understanding of UK education policy and inclusive practice
11. Proven ability to lead complex initiatives and drive change
12. Excellent communication, data literacy, and decision-making skills
13. Experience across schools, FE, or training provider environments
Feeling inspired? Read the full to find out more.
What will we offer you in return?
Below are just some of the fantastic benefits we’ll offer you to support you both professionally and personally. You can also visit our which covers financial, physical and mental health support, time off and your development.
14. Annual leave starting at 25 days and increasing up to 30 days with length of service
15. 8 bank holidays and an additional 3 days off during the Christmas closure
16. YOU celebration day to celebrate your birthday or another life event
17. YOU hour allowing you one hour per month to spend time on something that promotes your wellbeing
18. Learning and Wellbeing fund of up to £200 per year
19. £400 towards any NCFE accredited qualifications per year
20. Up to 20 Volunteering hours per year
21. Flexible working culture with a hybrid working approach
22. Early finish on a Friday at 4:30pm to start your weekend early
23. Health cash plan through Westfield to claim towards health costs such as dental and optical
24. Tech and Home scheme with savings at Currys and IKEA
25. Employee Assistance Programme with a confidential helpline and access to face to face and telephone counselling
26. Pension of up to 9% employer contribution when you contribute 3%
27. Death in service payment worth 4 x your salary
In addition to our benefits package, Our Colleague Experience Charter sets out the unique experience you can expect when working at NCFE, to enable a thriving, engaged culture. You can find out more about our and .