Curriculum Manager - Creative Arts (Secondment Full Time One Year)
Location: Sunderland
Salary: £40,515 to £42,979 per annum
Post Type: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 12 Months
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 30 November 2025
Reference: 0665-25-R
About the College
Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students. The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.
Our Journey & Values As an employer, we prioritize cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
About the Candidate
We are seeking an ambitious and motivated leader who is passionate about the Creative Arts and further education. You will be an outstanding practitioner with proven experience in curriculum innovation, quality assurance, and raising standards of teaching, learning, and assessment.
You Will Bring
* Recent experience in FE/HE, with a strong record of improving learner outcomes and destinations.
* The ability to inspire, develop and manage a team effectively, setting high expectations for staff and students alike.
* A strong understanding of curriculum planning, awarding body requirements, and sector developments in Creative Arts.
* The confidence to lead on performance management, quality improvement, and external inspections.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a one-year secondment as Curriculum Manager for Creative Arts at Sunderland College. Based at Bede Campus, you will lead, inspire, and manage across a dynamic curriculum area that is central to our Creative, Digital & Computing Faculty. As Curriculum Manager, you will provide clear direction for staff, champion innovative teaching and learning, and drive continuous quality improvement. You will oversee curriculum planning, design, and delivery—ensuring our programmes meet the needs of students, employers, and the wider sector. This role offers a chance to shape the student experience in Creative Arts, working closely with colleagues to embed excellence, innovation, and real-world industry connections.
Why Join Us?
* Gain valuable operational management experience.
* Lead a vibrant, innovative curriculum area.
* Contribute directly to shaping the student journey and future success of the faculty.
* Work in a supportive, collaborative environment committed to professional growth.
Role Responsibilities
* Lead and manage curriculum delivery, design, and review across Creative Arts.
* Inspire and support staff in delivering outstanding teaching, learning, and assessment.
* Manage performance, staff deployment, and timetabling effectively.
* Oversee quality processes, including SAR and QIP, ensuring compliance with awarding bodies.
* Engage with employers, parents, and stakeholders to provide excellent learner experiences.
* Prepare for inspections and external reviews, showcasing the strength of provision.
Qualifications
* A relevant degree (or equivalent qualification) in a Creative Arts discipline.
* A teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent).
* Level 2 (or equivalent) qualifications in English and Maths.
* Evidence of recent and relevant continuous professional development.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Curriculum expertise – strong experience in curriculum design, development, and innovation within FE/HE.
* Quality improvement – a proven track record in raising standards of teaching, learning, and assessment.
* Leadership – experience successfully leading and managing a team or significant area of curriculum.
* Data-driven practice – ability to collect, interpret, and act upon performance data to drive improvement.
* Sector awareness – knowledge of FE curriculum reforms, funding arrangements, and awarding organisation requirements.
* Teaching excellence – a strong track record as an outstanding/good practitioner with evidence of positive learner outcomes.
* Communication – excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and challenge.
* Organisation – ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and problem-solve effectively.
* Safeguarding & inclusivity – commitment to student welfare, equality, diversity, and embedding British Values.
Desirable Skills & Experience
* Experience of working directly in the Creative Arts sector.
* Experience of working in or alongside Higher Education (HE in FE).
* Understanding of Ofsted inspection methodology and Higher Education review processes.
* Experience of effective budget management and achieving financial targets.
* Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including employers, parents, and community partners.
* Knowledge of emerging digital and creative technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
What’s in it for you?
* Enjoy a generous holiday allowance (35-48 days per year, plus public holidays).
* Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
* LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%).
* Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
* We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
* Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
* Free parking on most campuses.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
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