Subject Leader - Books & Bindings

Novatech Ltd; West Dean; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

West Dean College is seeking a Subject Leader – Books & Bindings to provide academic and operational leadership for our specialist Books programmes. You will work with the Head of School to develop curriculum, coordinate teaching and assessment, and foster external links within the Books & Bindings sector.

You will coordinate visiting lecturers, guide student recruitment activities, ensure quality assurance and health & safety.

Qualifications

• BA or equivalent Level 6 qualification or professional experience in Books & Bindings.
• Experience in teaching, assessment and administration in Further or Higher Education.
• Strong practical knowledge of bookbinding history and practice.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills; ability to manage priorities.
• Experience with Health & Safety and workshop management would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum delivery and development for Books programmes.
• Coordinate teaching, assessment and quality assurance; contribute to student learning.
• Coordinate visiting lecturers and industry contributors; build professional relationships.
• Support student recruitment activities and external engagement.
• Oversee resource planning, study visits and Health & Safety compliance.

Skills

Teaching experience

Curriculum planning

Assessment

Bookbinding

Relationship building

IT literacy

Education

BA or Level 6 qualification

Job description

Subject Leader – Books & Bindings

Location: West Dean College, West Sussex

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Up to 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (0.4 or 0.6 FTE)

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum, pro rata for part-time

Join West Dean College

West Dean is a unique place to work, combining internationally recognised education in arts, design, craft and conservation with award-winning gardens, historic collections and a working estate in the South Downs National Park.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Subject Leader – Books & Bindings to provide academic and operational leadership for our specialist Books programmes.

The role

Working closely with the Head of School and fellow Subject Leaders, you will play a key role in the day-to-day organisation, delivery and continued development of the curriculum. You will contribute to teaching, assessment, curriculum planning and programme development, helping to ensure an engaging and high-quality learning experience for our students.

You will provide academic guidance and tutorial support, coordinate visiting lecturers and specialist contributors, and build strong professional relationships both within the College and across the wider Books & Bindings sector.

The role will also involve contributing to student recruitment activities, quality assurance, external engagement, Health & Safety, resource planning and the organisation of relevant study visits.

About you

You will have a BA or equivalent Level 6 qualification, or equivalent professional experience, together with demonstrable professional practice in Books & Bindings.

You will bring experience of teaching, assessment and administration within Further or Higher Education and have a strong understanding of practical and creative bookbinding, including the relevant history and theory.

You will also have excellent organisational and administrative skills, strong communication and relationship-building skills, confidence using IT and Microsoft Office, and an understanding of workshop and Health & Safety best practice. You will be able to manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, contribute positively to a team and build strong relationships with students, colleagues and external contacts.

Experience in quality assurance, Virtual Learning Environments and blended or hybrid delivery would be desirable.

Why join West Dean?

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a specialist subject area within one of the UK's most distinctive creative and cultural education environments.

You will join a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and inclusivity, while helping to support and inspire the next generation of practitioners.

Deadline for applications: 28 August 2026

The vacancy may close earlier if sufficient applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 3 September 2026.