Head of Department - Further Education and Training (FET)

Placements24; Klerksdorp; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension fund

Medical aid

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West, is seeking a Head of Department for a key FET division. Based on-site, the role leads strategic direction, curricular quality, and operations to deliver high-quality vocational education.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Education or Management, a post-secondary teaching qualification, and proven academic leadership within FET. PhD is advantageous; strong budgeting, HR, and stakeholder relations are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education, Management, or relevant vocational/technical field.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management for the designated academic department.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Staff development

Stakeholder engagement

Curriculum development

Policy & accreditation

Communication

Education

Master's in Education

Master's in Management

Post-secondary teaching qualification

PhD (advantageous)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading Further Education and Training (FET) college situated in Klerksdorp, North West , is seeking an accomplished and visionary leader to assume the role of Head of Department for a key academic division. This is a critical leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, academic quality, and operational efficiency of the department. The successful candidate will inspire and manage a team of dedicated educators and staff, ensuring the delivery of high-quality vocational and technical education programs that meet the needs of the industry and community. This role requires a strong understanding of the FET landscape, a commitment to student success, and exceptional leadership capabilities. The position is based on-site at our Klerksdorp campus, requiring full-time presence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and management for the designated academic department, ensuring alignment with the college's mission and vision.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of all departmental programs and curricula, ensuring relevance and quality.
• Manage departmental budget, resources, and staff effectively to achieve departmental goals.
• Lead, mentor, and support department staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional development.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative, accreditation, and quality assurance requirements.
• Promote and enhance the reputation of the department and the college within the community and industry.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, employers, and stakeholders.
• Oversee student recruitment, support services, and academic progress within the department.
• Monitor and report on departmental performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Chair departmental meetings and participate actively in college-wide management committees.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Education, Management, or a relevant vocational/technical field.
• A relevant PhD is advantageous.
• A recognized post-secondary teaching qualification and substantial experience in teaching and lecturing within the FET sector.
• Proven experience in academic leadership and management, preferably at a departmental or faculty level.
• In-depth knowledge of the FET college system, including curriculum development, quality assurance, and accreditation processes in South Africa.
• Strong financial and human resource management skills.
• Excellent strategic planning, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• A thorough understanding of the South African post-school education and training environment.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the department.

Benefits

This full-time, permanent position offers a highly competitive salary package, with remuneration up to R per annum , reflecting the seniority and responsibility of the role. The Head of Department will also receive a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension fund, medical aid contributions, and opportunities for further professional development. Our client provides a supportive leadership environment and the chance to significantly impact vocational education in the Klerksdorp region. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced educator and leader to make a lasting contribution to the FET sector.