Transition & Engagement Lead for 16–19 Learners

EKC Group; Broadstairs; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible Personal Leave

Exclusive Discounts & Perks

Wellbeing and Health Support

Competitive Pension Scheme

Job summary

East Kent Colleges Group is seeking a Transition Manager to lead the Bridging Futures Transition and Attendance Programme. You will design, implement, deliver, and evaluate an evidence-informed transition model, supporting vulnerable 16–19 learners at risk of disengagement or NEET.

You will oversee cross-college delivery, coordinate stakeholders, lead a team of Transition Mentors, ensure programme fidelity, and work with evaluators to scale the model across EKC Group and beyond.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex projects, programmes or partnership initiatives across multiple teams or sites.
• Collaborative approach, building positive relationships with colleagues, external partners and stakeholders.
• Commitment to learner success, with understanding of barriers faced by disadvantaged, SEMH and care-experienced learners.
• Focus on impact and improvement, using data, evaluation and insight to shape decision-making and outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to engage and influence people at all levels.
• Knowledge of transition, attendance and retention, particularly for 16–19 learners.
• Strong commitment to inclusion and safeguarding with trauma-informed, learner-centered practice.
• Sound organisational and financial skills, including budget management, reporting or quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, delivery and evaluation of the Bridging Futures Transition and Attendance Programme.
• Provide operational leadership for a structured, evidence-informed transition model supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged 16–19 learners at risk of disengagement or NEET.
• Oversee cross-college delivery, coordinate internal and external stakeholders, and lead a team of Transition Mentors.
• Ensure programme fidelity and work with evaluators to support pre-pilot development and scalability across EKC Group and beyond.

Job description

East Kent Colleges Group is seeking a Transition Manager to lead the Bridging Futures Transition and Attendance Programme. You will design, implement, deliver, and evaluate an evidence-informed transition model, supporting vulnerable 16–19 learners at risk of disengagement or NEET.

You will oversee cross-college delivery, coordinate stakeholders, lead a team of Transition Mentors, ensure programme fidelity, and work with evaluators to scale the model across EKC Group and beyond.