Director of Quality & Innovation

Knowsley Community College; St Helens; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education institution in St Helens is seeking a Director of Quality and Innovation to lead strategic initiatives in quality and drive innovative practices across all educational provisions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in quality assurance, digital innovation, and leadership, with a proven track record in educational settings. This role offers a supportive work environment and numerous career development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement: 42 days per annum

Contributory pension scheme

Free on-site parking

CPD opportunities

Discounted catering outlets on site

Qualifications

• A proven track record of leading quality assurance and improvement.
• Experience working with Ofsted and/or QAA frameworks.
• Strong understanding of QAA and OfS requirements.
• Experience designing and leading professional development strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the College’s Quality Improvement and Innovation Strategy.
• Champion teaching, learning, and digital innovation.
• Provide strategic accountability for Higher Education quality.
• Lead student engagement strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Assurance

Digital Innovation

Communication

People Management

Strategic Planning

Education

Degree-level education

Professional teaching qualification

Job description

INTERVIEWS DUE TO TAKE PLACE ON 21/11/2025

Join Us on a Journey of Transformation

Are you ready to shape the future of education? We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our Director of Quality and Innovation—a pivotal role at the heart of our College’s transformation. This is your opportunity to lead on quality improvement and innovation across Further Education, Higher Education, and Apprenticeships, ensuring our provision is not only inspection-ready but sector-leading and future-focused.

As Ofsted Deputy Nominee and a key member of the senior leadership team, you will drive excellence in quality assurance, continuous improvement, and innovation—embedding a culture where every learner thrives and every staff member is empowered to excel.

Be the Catalyst for Excellence

This is more than a leadership role—it’s a chance to leave a legacy. You will influence every corner of our provision, championing innovation, digital capability, and inclusive practice. You will help shape a College that is bold, distinctive, and deeply committed to improving lives through education.

If you are a strategic thinker, a collaborative leader, and a passionate advocate for transformational change, we invite you to join us. Together, we will build a future where quality and innovation are not just priorities—they’re our signature.

The Role

As Director Of Quality And Innovation, You Will

• Lead the College’s Quality Improvement and Innovation Strategy, driving self-assessment, inspection readiness, and governance reporting.
• Champion teaching, learning, and digital innovation, embedding future-ready models and emerging technologies.
• Provide strategic accountability for Higher Education quality, working with academic partners and regulators including QAA, OfS, and validating universities.
• Shape and deliver the College’s CPD strategy, ensuring staff are confident, digitally capable, and supported to excel.
• Lead student engagement strategies, ensuring feedback drives continuous improvement and enhanced student outcomes.
• Represent the College externally, building partnerships and positioning the organisation as a leader in quality and innovation.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic and resilient leader with:

• Degree-level education and a professional teaching qualification.
• A proven track record of leading quality assurance and improvement in FE, HE, or apprenticeships.
• Experience of working with Ofsted and/or QAA frameworks.
• Strong understanding of QAA, OfS, and awarding body requirements.
• Experience of designing and leading professional development strategies in teaching, learning, and digital innovation.
• Excellent communication, people management, and cross-college influencing skills.
• A passion for equality, diversity, inclusion, and above all, for improving student experience and outcomes.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the quality and innovation agenda of a forward-thinking College. You will work at a strategic level, influencing across all areas of provision, while fostering creativity, digital capability, and continuous improvement.

If you are a visionary leader who thrives on driving excellence and inspiring innovation, we would love to hear from you.

What can we offer you?

• Positive and enjoyable working environment
• Working 36 hours per week
• Generous holiday entitlement: 42 days per annum, plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension scheme with an excellent employer contribution
• Death in Service benefits
• Free on-site parking
• Discounted Starbucks and all other catering outlets on sites
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discount Scheme
• Well-being events and access to a well-being portal
• CPD
• Opportunities for career development within the team and wider college

St Helens College and Knowsley Community College are committed to Equality and Diversity and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, students and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please note we do not accept speculative calls and emails with CV’s from recruitment agencies. Any speculative CVs sent to the College will NOT be considered.