Head of Careers

Think FE Ltd; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-respected college in Greater Manchester is seeking an inspirational Head of Careers. The role involves managing teams to improve student career outcomes, developing partnerships with employers, and ensuring cohesive career guidance. This position offers a competitive salary, a local government pension scheme, and ample professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Local government pension scheme with generous employer contribution

Excellent holiday allowance

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative leadership team focused on growth

Qualifications

• Degree-level education is essential.
• Strong knowledge of Gatsby Benchmarks and national careers policies.
• Experience in FE or HE settings ideally in leadership.

Responsibilities

• Oversee careers provision and manage admissions and placements teams.
• Develop and grow employer relationships for quality placements.
• Provide strategic direction to the careers team.

Skills

Leadership

Motivation

Strategic Planning

Relationship Building

Career Guidance

Education

Degree-level education

Level 6 IAG/Careers Guidance qualification

Job description

Head of Careers

Location: Ofsted rated Good college in Greater Manchester

Salary: £54,000 - £61,000 per annum

Contract: Full time, 37 hours per week

The Role

We are looking for an inspirational Head of Careers to oversee the careers provision at a well-respected college in Greater Manchester. You will manage teams including admissions, careers guidance, and work placements. Your leadership will:

• Empower students (school, adult FE & apprenticeship learners) to take their next steps: university, apprenticeships, employment.
• Build and nurture employer partnerships for meaningful placements and open days.
• Oversee admissions strategy across key cohorts.
• Ensure seamless alignment between careers, admissions, recruitment, and marketing via close collaboration with school liaison teams.

What will you do?

• Provide strategic direction and guidance to the careers team.
• Develop and grow relationships with employers to secure high-quality work placements.
• Lead and refine admissions processes for school, adult FE, and apprenticeships.
• Embed careers guidance throughout the student journey, from first contact to enrolment and beyond.
• Ensure integration of careers, marketing, school outreach, and admissions strategies.

Who are we looking for?

Essential Experience:

• Degree-level education.
• Ideally hold Level 6 IAG/Careers Guidance qualification or be willing to work towards.
• Strong knowledge of Gatsby Benchmarks, Matrix Standard, and national careers policies.
• Confident motivator with both hands-on and big-picture capabilities.

It would also be highly beneficial to have:

• Demonstrable background in FE or HE settings, ideally in careers or admissions leadership.
• Strategic, solution-focused leader with a track record in student support and career outcomes.

What’s On Offer?

• Competitive salary within the stated range.
• Full-time 37-hour working week.
• Local government pension scheme with an extremely generous employer contribution and excellent holiday allowance.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A committed and collaborative leadership team focused on growth and opportunity.

Next steps

Once you’ve applied, one of our friendly FE consultants from Think FE will call to discuss the opportunity. The college will move quickly for the right applicant, with a simple and concise interview process. Think FE Ltd. is acting as an employment business for this position. Working for/with Think FE Ltd. is subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Data Policy

Your data will be stored by Think FE Ltd. solely for the purpose of helping you find work. By applying, you consent to your data being used in this way. We will confirm by email immediately with a full breakdown of how your data is used, and you may opt out fully or in part at any time. Your data will not be passed on to third parties without your permission.