Head Of Structural Technologies

Dovetail and Slate; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Dovetail and Slate seeks a Head of Structural Technologies in Berkshire to lead teaching, learning, and assessment across built environment disciplines. You will report to the Curriculum Director and manage Programme Managers, Lecturers, and technical staff, driving academic quality and staff performance.

The role requires strategic curriculum development, budget oversight, and escalation of employer-aligned initiatives, with a focus on student success and safeguarding compliance.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent; Level 6 in a relevant discipline.
• Recognised Level 5 teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, DET, or equivalent).
• Desirable: TAQA/A1 or IQA awards and management qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide line management to departmental staff including Programme Managers and Lecturers.
• Lead SAR process and develop robust Quality Improvement Plans.
• Monitor KPIs such as retention and progression and implement improvements.
• Shape and modernize the curriculum to meet regional skills and LSIP needs.
• Oversee budgets, facilities, and health and safety in practical spaces.
• Collaborate with safeguarding, ALS, and career guidance teams for support.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Budget management

Curriculum development

Quality assurance

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

PGCE / Cert Ed / DET or equivalent teaching qualification

Assessor (TAQA/A1) or IQA awards (Desirable)

Leadership/management qualification (Desirable)

Job description

Job Title

Head of Structural Technologies

Department

Structural Technologies (Built Environment, Construction & Engineering)

Reporting To

Curriculum Director

Location

Berkshire

Salary

£45,196 - £48,286 per annum (Scale M)

Contract Type

Full-time, Permanent

Job Purpose

The Head of Structural Technologies is a pivotal middle-to-senior leadership role responsible for the operational, academic, and strategic management of the department. Reporting directly to the Curriculum Director, the post-holder will lead a team of academic staff-including Programme Managers and Lecturers-to deliver high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across built environment disciplines (including Construction, Engineering, Building Services, and Electrical Installations).

This post suits an ambitious Programme Manager, Course Leader, or Curriculum Manager looking to take the next step into departmental management, driving academic quality, staff performance, budget management, and employer-aligned curriculum growth.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Leadership & Line Management

   Provide visible, supportive, and effective line management to departmental staff, including Programme Managers, Lecturers, and technical support teams.

   Conduct regular 1:1 reviews, annual performance evaluations, and probationary reviews in line with college policy.

   Coach, mentor, and develop staff to foster a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and professional development.

   Manage departmental recruitment, induction, and workforce planning to ensure optimal staffing ratios and resource deployment.

2. Quality Assurance & Academic Standards

   Implement and embed the college's Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Framework across all courses within the department.

   Lead the departmental Self-Assessment Review (SAR) process and construct robust, actionable Quality Improvement Plans (QIP).

   Continuously monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including student retention, attendance, pass rates, and positive progression.

   Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to ensure exceptional delivery standards and student engagement.

3. Curriculum Development & Innovation

   Shape and modernize the departmental curriculum in response to regional skills needs, the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), and local employer requirements.

   Drive the integration of modern industry practices, digital technologies, and Information Learning Technology (ILT) into delivery.

   Promote pathways into higher education, higher apprenticeships, and direct employment for all student cohorts.

4. Resource & Financial Oversight

   Manage departmental budgets effectively, ensuring maximum cost-efficiency and value for money across staffing and consumable allocations.

   Oversee the allocation, safety, and maintenance of physical learning spaces, including technical workshops and specialist facilities.

   Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety regulations, risk assessments, and safe working protocols in all practical environments.

5. Student Success, Discipline & Support

   Establish and maintain high expectations for student behavior, attendance, punctuality, and academic progress.

   Oversee student disciplinary frameworks, fitness to study, and pastoral support mechanisms within the department.

   Collaborate with central support teams (Safeguarding, ALS, Career Guidance) to ensure vulnerable and high-needs students receive appropriate support.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

• Essential: Educated to degree level (or equivalent level 6 vocational qualification) in a relevant discipline.
• Essential: Recognised Level 5 Teaching Qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, DET, or equivalent).
• Desirable: Assessor (TAQA/A1) or Internal Verifier (IQA) awards.
• Desirable: Management or leadership qualification (e.g., CMI, ILM Level 5).

Experience & Knowledge

• Essential: Proven track record of successful course leadership or programme management within Further Education.
• Essential: Direct experience managing staff, conducting performance reviews, or mentoring colleagues.
• Essential: Strong understanding of FE quality processes, including leading or contributing to SAR and QIP frameworks.
• Essential: Demonstrated ability to analyze student data and implement targeted strategies to improve retention and achievement.
• Desirable: Subject background in Electrical Installations, Construction, Civil/Structural Engineering, or Building Services.

Important Notice

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer.