Head of Careers

Think Fe; Manchester; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading college in Greater Manchester is seeking an inspiring Head of Careers to lead their careers provision. The successful candidate will manage teams and build partnerships with employers, ensuring students are empowered to progress to university, apprenticeships, or employment. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment focused on professional development.

Benefits

Local government pension scheme

Excellent holiday allowance

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience managing teams in careers or admissions.
• Strong knowledge of Gatsby Benchmarks and Matrix Standard.
• Background in FE or HE settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the careers provision at a college.
• Develop relationships with employers for work placements.
• Embed careers guidance throughout the student journey.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Motivation

Education

Degree-level education

Level 6 IAG/Careers Guidance qualification

Job description

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10th June, 2025

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're looking for an inspirational Head of Careers to steer 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 (16-18s, 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 16-18s, 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 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 exvellent holiday alowance
• Professional development
• 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. are acting as an employment business for this position. Working for/with Think FE Ltd. is subject to agreement 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 hitting apply, 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 3rd parties without your permission.