FE Business and Leadership Instructor/Mentor

University of Derby; Buxton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a part-time Instructor Mentor for their Business and Leadership team. The role involves planning and delivering lessons for level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, as well as coaching apprentices in their workplace and ensuring progress tracking. Ideal candidates will have strong business acumen, leadership experience, and a commitment to education. A flexible working environment and generous benefits are offered.

Benefits

47 days annual leave

Teacher’s Pension Scheme

Holistic wellbeing benefits

Staff discounts

Discounted onsite gym

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working environment

Commitment to personal development

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to delivering learner-focused apprenticeship education.
• Experience in planning and delivering engaging lessons.
• Ability to mentor and track progress of apprentices.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver lessons for the level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.
• Coach apprentices in on- and off-the-job learning.
• Ensure high standards of progress tracking and mentoring.

Skills

Business Acumen

Leadership Experience

Coaching

Adaptability

Solution-focused Approach

Education

Relevant industry experience

Teaching Qualification

Job description

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

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.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Instructor Mentor to join our Business and Leadership team, supporting the planning and delivery of the level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship and a suite of ILM-accredited short courses. You will be responsible for planning and delivering engaging lessons, coaching apprentices in both on‑and off‑the‑job learning, and ensuring high standards of progress tracking and mentoring. Whether in the classroom, online, or in the workplace, your role will be pivotal in helping learners succeed and grow into confident, skilled professionals. This is a part‑time, 0.4 FTE opportunity that includes regular travel to visit apprentices in their workplaces, alongside scheduled teaching on Mondays at our Derby Campus. The other working day is negotiable. Potential Interview date - 16th January 2025

About You

We are looking for an industry‑informed professional who can develop others through high‑quality education and training. You will bring a blend of business acumen, leadership experience, and a commitment to delivering learner‑focused, apprenticeship education. This role requires someone who is adaptable, solution‑focused, and confident working independently as well as collaboratively within a supportive team. If you are excited about inspiring the next generation of business leaders and supporting organisational growth through skills development, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 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
• 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 Stephanie Traynor, Apprenticeship Operations Manager via [e-mail].
• For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail].

Important Information

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.

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 of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody’s concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy.