Head of Department

Barnsley College; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Barnsley seeks a Head of Department for Sports, Public Services, Travel & Tourism. This role involves leadership, strategic management, and curriculum development across diverse educational programs. The ideal candidate will drive quality and innovation, ensuring alignment with industry needs and educational standards. Strong leadership and a passion for education are essential for making impactful changes that inspire students and staff alike.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership track record in an education or industry setting.
• Understanding of current trends in sport, services, travel and tourism.
• Experience with external partners and community groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of lecturers and support staff.
• Oversee curriculum development from Entry Level to Higher Education.
• Manage budgets, staffing, and resources effectively.

Skills

Leadership in education

Curriculum development

Strategic planning

Collaboration

Data analysis

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

Head of Department
Dept: Sports, Public Services, Travel & Tourism
Salary: Up to £59,238 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent Full time 37 hours per week

Reference: REC2225 | Closing Date: Wednesday, 20th August 2025
Interview Date: Wednesday, 27th August 2025

The Opportunity

You’ll lead and inspire a committed team of lecturers, curriculum managers and support staff across a diverse and dynamic curriculum. Your focus will be on delivering outstanding teaching, learning and assessment for every learner – whether they’re in Further Education, Higher Education or adult learning.

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

Curriculum development will be central to your role. You’ll oversee the design and delivery of engaging, industry-relevant programmes from Entry Level through to Higher Education, ensuring that your provision reflects local labour market demands, national education priorities and emerging sector trends. You’ll also lead cross-college initiatives and contribute to strategic projects that influence the wider direction of the college.

In addition to your academic leadership, you’ll be responsible for effectively managing budgets, staffing and resources. You’ll work closely with awarding bodies, employers and industry partners to ensure the department maintains high standards, meets compliance requirements, and provides meaningful opportunities for students to gain real-world experience. From strengthening employer links to supporting recruitment and retention strategies, your work will drive the continued success and growth of the department.

This is your opportunity to make a tangible impact. As part of our friendly leadership team, you’ll help shape the futures of our learners and raise aspirations across our college and community.

About You

We’re looking for a driven and strategic leader who’s passionate about education and has the vision to lead our department into its next chapter. You’ll bring a strong track record of leadership in an education or industry setting, with the ability to inspire teams, lead change and deliver exceptional outcomes for our learners.

You’ll have a strong understanding of at least one of the subject areas within the department – whether that’s sport, services, travel and tourism or related fields – and a sound grasp of current trends, policy and employer needs. You’ll be confident shaping a curriculum that meets both learner aspirations and industry expectations, and you’ll be comfortable working across Further Education, Higher Education and Adult Learning.

You’ll need to be a confident, forward-thinking decision-maker who can operate at both a strategic level and in the day-to-day running of the department. You’ll be data-informed, financially aware and continuously focused on improvement. Your leadership style should be inclusive and empowering – someone who nurtures and develops others, builds trust, and creates a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Ideally, you’ll bring experience of working with external partners – including employers, awarding organisations and community groups – and you’ll understand how to use those relationships to enhance the learner journey and improve employability outcomes. You’ll also be confident working within inspection and quality frameworks, with a strong understanding of safeguarding, inclusivity and learner wellbeing.

Above all, we’re looking for someone who’s ambitious for their department and their learners – someone who’s committed to excellence, excited about innovation, and ready to lead one of our most vibrant curriculum areas.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 20th August 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.