Head of Department, Engineering

Head of Department
Engineering
Salary: Up to £59,238 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Reference:  REC2130 | Closing Date: Monday, 28th April 2025

Interviews: Thursday, 8th May 2025 (full day)

The Opportunity

As our Head of Department for Engineering, you’ll lead and inspire a talented team of lecturers, curriculum managers and support staff across a wide-ranging and ambitious curriculum. From Electrical and Mechanical Engineering to Manufacturing and Mechatronics, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that every learner benefits from outstanding teaching, learning and assessment – whether they’re studying in Further Education, Higher Education, or as an adult learner. You’ll play a key role in shaping a future-facing department, with a strong focus on Clean Energy and emerging technologies, and your work will contribute directly to the development of a skilled workforce for South Yorkshire and beyond.

You’ll take full ownership of the strategic and day-to-day management of the Engineering department, driving forward improvements and leading with purpose and vision. You’ll set and deliver on stretching quality, curriculum and financial targets, ensuring your team is always working towards excellence. Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering – you’ll coach and support your staff to be the very best they can be, promoting a culture of high performance, innovation, and continuous professional development.

Curriculum development will also be at the heart of your role. You’ll oversee the design and delivery of engaging and industry-relevant programmes from Entry Level to Higher Education. You’ll ensure that provision is not only aligned to local labour market needs but also responds to national education policy and technical education reforms. You’ll be expected to lead on cross-college projects and contribute to key strategic initiatives, playing an active role in shaping the college’s wider direction.

Alongside academic leadership, you’ll take responsibility for managing budgets, staffing, and resources effectively. You’ll work with awarding bodies, industry partners and employers to ensure the department maintains high standards, meets compliance requirements and creates excellent opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. From forging strong employer partnerships to supporting recruitment and retention strategies, you’ll work to grow and sustain the department’s success.

This role offers you the chance to make a real difference. You’ll be part of our passionate leadership team, working collaboratively to raise aspirations and drive positive outcomes for our learners.

About You

We’re looking for a driven and strategic leader who’s passionate about technical education and has the vision to take our Engineering department to the next level. You’ll need to bring a strong track record of leadership within an educational or industry-based setting, with the ability to inspire teams, lead change and deliver excellent outcomes for learners.

You’ll have a deep understanding of the engineering sector – ideally with experience across areas such as Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Mechatronics – and a good grasp of current and emerging trends, particularly in relation to Clean Energy and sustainability. You’ll be confident in shaping curriculum that meets both learner needs and industry demand, and you’ll be comfortable working across Further Education, Adult Learning and Higher Education.

To excel in this role, you’ll need to be a confident decision-maker who’s equally comfortable operating at a strategic level and getting involved in the day-to-day running of the department. You’ll be data-savvy, financially astute and focused on continuous improvement. Your leadership style should be inclusive and empowering – someone who supports and develops others, builds trust, and fosters a collaborative team culture.

Ideally, you’ll bring experience of working with external partners, including employers and industry bodies, and you’ll know how to develop those relationships to enrich the learner experience and enhance employability. You’ll be comfortable navigating inspection frameworks and quality processes, and you’ll understand the importance of safeguarding, inclusivity and learner wellbeing.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who’s ambitious for their department, staff and our learners. You’ll also be forward-thinking, committed to excellence, and excited to play a leading role in shaping the future of engineering education.

Below is a list of some of the key skills, qualifications and experience we are seeking for this exciting opportunity.

Required

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, or significant industry experience
• Teaching qualification, or willingness to complete a Level 6 PGCE
• Up to date with relevant CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
• Teaching experience in Further Education
• Management or leadership experience in FE or HE
• Industry experience in a relevant sector

Reasons to join us

• We offer substantial annual leave entitlement (Up to 47 days per year including bank and public holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme to buy additional annual leave days
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• We invest in our people through funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training and paid volunteering days
• Career advancement opportunities with tailored support for staff to progress
• Free Barnsley College courses to support your professional and personal development (subject to approval)
• 24/7 access to same day appointments with a GP
• Exclusive discounts and cashback for retail, dining and leisure as part of YouatWork
• Access to health cash plans as members of the Westfield Health Scheme or Health Shield
• Discounted college gym membership with onsite facilities
• Supporting employee mental health through access to free counselling services and the Foundations App
• Discounts schemes for greener travel including Northern Rail, Trainline and Cycle to Work
• Free Microsoft Office 365 for personal use on up to five machines
• Access to discounted hair and beauty therapies at our onsite salon
• On site subsidised Starbucks and food outlets offering a variety of dining options
• Free breakfast provided daily for all staff members
• Our shared purpose – We believe in transforming the lives of both our learners and staff

The Barnsley College Advantage

When you join us, you can expect to benefit from “The Barnsley College Advantage”. This is the advantage of:

• Being supported to achieve your personal and professional goals
• A range of flexible working opportunities
• Autonomy, Empowerment and Accountability
• Short- and Long-Term development commitments
• Access to experiencing work in a range of areas
• Working in a Value and Behaviour led organisation
• Reward and Recognition
• Having your voice heard at every level
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support

Closing date for applications is Monday, 28th April 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early depending on the level of interest.

Barnsley College is committed to creating a dynamic and diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of their gender, disability, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or faith. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS.

Please be aware that it is a Criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.