Subject Lead: FE and Skills ) - Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
At the University of Derby, our Institute of Education and Skills (IoE&S) is at the heart of shaping the educators, trainers, and leaders of tomorrow. We are dedicated to inspiring, developing, and empowering professionals across education, training, and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities.
We deliver high-quality programmes that span teacher training, post-16 education, early years, educational leadership, and workforce development. By combining academic expertise with real-world application, we prepare our students to make an impact in diverse educational settings.
Our staff are committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence; engaging learners with cutting-edge research, sector-leading practice, and a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We are proud to work with schools, colleges, training providers, and employers across the region and beyond, ensuring that our teaching is grounded in the needs of society and industry; leading to our OFSTED rating of Outstanding for our Initial Teacher Training and Education (ITTE).
Whether through developing the next generation of teachers, enhancing workforce skills, or advancing educational research, the Institute of Education and Skills plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.
About University of Derby Buxton
University of Derby Buxton is a vibrant and unique campus set in the heart of the Peak District, combining a rich history with a forward-looking approach to education. Based in the iconic Devonshire Dome, the Buxton campus is home to specialist programmes such as hospitality, culinary arts, events, tourism, and hair and beauty.
The campus is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences, supported by industry-standard facilities and strong links to local, national, and international employers. With its blend of practical training, academic expertise, and professional partnerships, Buxton offers an environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in dynamic and competitive industries.
Set within the stunning natural landscape of Derbyshire, the campus also offers an inspiring backdrop for study and personal growth. At Buxton, students are encouraged to explore, innovate, and thrive, making it an exceptional place to learn and build a successful future.
University of Derby Buxton is rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED in all inspection areas, including teaching, learning & assessment, outcomes for learners, personal development, behaviour & welfare; and has a team of dedicated staff who take pride in supporting learners towards their study and career goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team on our journey to becoming an outstanding provider.
Ambitious and forward-looking, the IoES is entering an exciting phase of growth. We are expanding and strengthening our FE and Skills provision across Buxton, Chesterfield and the Nuclear Skills Academy, responding to regional and national priorities and working closely with industry to deliver future-focused curricula.
About the Role
Working in close partnership with the Director of IoES and senior colleagues, you will provide strategic leadership across our FE & Skills provision, driving exceptional student experiences and outcomes. You will lead and develop high-performing teams, championing excellence in teaching, curriculum innovation, industry engagement and scholarly activity.
With a strong focus on impact and continuous improvement, you will oversee performance, inspire professional growth and ensure provision meets - and exceeds - sector-leading standards. You will also play a key role in strengthening external partnerships, supporting academic enterprise and identifying new opportunities for growth and innovation.
This is a unique opportunity to lead change, influence practice and make a lasting contribution to FE & Skills at a progressive, values-led university.
Interview date – Thursday 7th May 2026.
About You
The Institute of Education and Skills is seeking an inspirational Subject Lead for FE & Skills to shape the future of our FE & Skills provision.
You will be an experienced and values-driven leader with a strong track record in FE and Skills and a passion for delivering exceptional student outcomes. You will bring senior-level leadership experience, with the credibility to lead, inspire and challenge teams across a complex educational portfolio.
You will have substantial experience of line management, curriculum leadership and quality assurance, with a clear understanding of FE/apprenticeship policy, regulation and performance frameworks. A collaborative and strategic thinker, you will be confident working with senior stakeholders, industry partners and central university teams, using data and insight to drive continuous improvement.
Essential for success in the role:
* Proven leadership and management experience within FE and/or Apprenticeship and Skills provision
* Strong understanding of quality, compliance and performance management
* Ability to lead people through change and inspire high performance
* Commitment to inclusive practice, professional development and the University’s values
A relevant teaching qualification and significant sector experience are essential, alongside the credibility to lead through teaching, scholarship and professional engagement.
This is an opportunity to join a university that is bold in its vision, collaborative in its culture and committed to innovation, impact and learner/apprentice success. If you want to help shape the future of FE and Skills within a supportive, high-performing institute, the Institute of Education and Skills at Derby is the place to do it.
Benefits
* Generous annual leave entitlement of 42 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
* Teacher’s Pension Scheme
* Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
* Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
* Discounted onsite gym
* Access to employer-funded Private Health Insurance
* Holiday purchase
* Cycle to Work scheme
* A flexible working environment
* A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Sarah Charles, Director of the Institute of Education &Skills via
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via
Important Information
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybodys concern.
Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here .
Closing Date: 22 Apr 2026
Area: Senior Management
Salary: £59,688 to £74,610 per annum
(for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £85,802 per annum).