Head of Skills and Opportunity (Permanent)

New Start; West of England; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol City Council is seeking a Head of Skills and Opportunity to lead strategic development of the city's skills and employment landscapes from the Education and Skills directorate. Reporting to the Director of Education and Skills, you will shape policy, work with colleges, training providers and employers, and drive participation and progression for residents.

You will oversee adult and community learning, apprenticeships, and statutory participation responsibilities, building partnerships

Job description

Jobs

Head of Skills and Opportunity

Salary

£80,737 - £89,465

Expires

16/11/2026

Location

Bristol

Job Type

Permanent

Shape the future of skills. Create opportunity for every Bristol resident.

Bristol is a growing Core City, attracting investment, creating jobs and opening new opportunities. Yet access to learning, skills and employment is not equally shared. Our ambition is to build an inclusive city where every resident can progress and thrive.

Our new Head of Skills and Opportunity will be at the heart of a rapidly changing education, employment and skills landscape. As Government priorities focus increasingly on growth, opportunity, devolution and workforce participation, the council's role is evolving from delivery to system leadership. Reporting to the Director of Education and Skills, you will help ensure Bristol's needs and ambitions shape regional priorities, investment and opportunity.

Working alongside colleges, training providers, schools, employers, the voluntary and community sector, WECA and national partners, you will provide strategic leadership for skills and opportunity across Bristol.

You will strengthen pathways from education into employment, ensuring they respond to employer demand, support economic growth and help more residents access good work. Improving participation and progression for young people at risk of becoming NEET is a key corporate and political priority and central to the West of England's NEET Zero ambition. You will also provide strategic leadership for adult and community learning, employment support, apprenticeships and the council's statutory participation responsibilities.

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative system leader who can influence across organisational boundaries while maintaining a clear focus on outcomes. You will lead a highly regarded team through change, build trusted relationships with partners and champion those communities experiencing the greatest barriers to opportunity.

This is a unique opportunity to shape Bristol's future skills system and help create a city where opportunity is shared by all.

As a diverse Core City, we are keen to attract applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, reflecting the communities we serve.

Closing date: Monday 16 th November