Enter a job title or keyword
Head of Engineering (Higher Education)
Job Location:
Yearly Salary:
Posted:
17 September 2026 (3 days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
15 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Permanent 37 hours a week.
57141 to 64285 (points 43 to 47) negotiable at the top for an exceptional candidate
Shape engineering education. Build routes into technical careers. Lead provision that employers and learners trust.
Higher Education Engineering should do more than offer students another qualification.
57141 to 64285 (points 43 to 47) negotiable at the top for an exceptional candidate
Shape engineering education. Build routes into technical careers. Lead provision that employers and learners trust.
Higher Education Engineering should do more than offer students another qualification.
It should give students and apprentices the technical depth professional confidence and industry awareness to move into higher-level engineering careers. It should help employers access the skills they need. And it should create clear progression from further education apprenticeships and higher technical study into professional practice.
If you have experience leading teams and have a passion for creating an engineering education offer that meets the needs of learners from both academic and technical entry routes then as our next Head of Higher Education Engineering youll work with our higher education team and stakeholders to build on our current success and build the team that delivers a range of courses at Levels 3 to 6.
Youll shape a portfolio that includes higher apprenticeships Pearson Higher Nationals and university-partner provision. Youll lead the people quality partnerships and planning behind those programmes making sure students and apprentices receive an ambitious coherent and technically relevant experience.
This is a leadership role with real scope and youll bring experience of leading teams motivating individuals and driving change; if this doesnt come from a Higher Education setting then dont worry whats important is your passion for building high performing learner-focussed teams. Youll work with employers universities awarding organisations and colleagues across the college to develop provision that reflects changing technologies workforce needs and regional priorities.
Youll also stay close to delivery. Youll understand the specialist environments resources and technical standards needed for strong engineering education. Youll know where students are progressing well where programmes need attention and what staff need to deliver at their best.
This is not a role for someone who simply wants to maintain existing provision. It is an opportunity to build a stronger Higher Education Engineering identity one that is trusted by students apprentices employers and academic partners.
What youll do
- Lead our Higher Education Engineering provision setting our direction and turning strategy into clear delivery plans.
- Lead a portfolio including higher apprenticeships Pearson Higher Nationals and university-partner provision.
- Develop new provision led by student demand employer need and our regional skills priorities.
- Monitor recruitment retention achievement progression and student satisfaction leading quality improvement.
- Lead and develop our great staff work with leading employers universities and awarding organisations.
- Manage budgets resources and our specialist learning environments.
What youll bring
- A degree or relevant higher-level qualification in Engineering or a related subject
- A recognised teaching qualification
- Significant experience teaching and leading Higher Education Engineering
- Experience managing higher-level programmes and a track record of improving student or apprentice outcomes
- Strong knowledge of higher apprenticeships gateway and end-point assessment
- Confidence working with employers universities awarding organisations and external partners
What youre like
- Ambitious. You want Higher Education Engineering to stand out recognised as a brilliant career path creating considerable change.
- Credible. You can hold your own with employers academics and senior leaders.
- Strategic. You see where provision needs to go and can build the plan to get us there.
- Driven by quality. You use evidence to improve outcomes and act early if something slips
- Industry-aware. You keep our provision connected to current technology and the needs of industry.
Essentials
- Youll need an enhanced DBS check if you get the job well do this for you.
- Youre committed to safeguarding inclusion and standing by our values.
- You can work across our campuses and external partner locations.
- Youre flexible and happy to work beyond standard hours when its needed.
Why work for us
Engineering is central to the future of our region and were closer to that centre than any other college in the North-West.
Were the lead FE partner in the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology and The North-West Construction Technical Excellence College. Thats something only we can claim. Youll lead our provision teaching on industry-standard kit backed by a college still investing heavily.
Time to recharge
Were the lead FE partner in the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology and The North-West Construction Technical Excellence College. Thats something only we can claim. Youll lead our provision teaching on industry-standard kit backed by a college still investing heavily.
Time to recharge
- Generous annual leave entitlement including bank holidays (depending on your role)
- Family-friendly leave policies
Wellbeing as well as work
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Medicash healthcare plan
- Occupational health support
- Confidential counselling
- Specsavers eye test vouchers
- A culture where people look out for each other
Financial peace of mind
- Teachers Pension Scheme
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work buy tech)
- Railcard & Tusker Green car scheme
- Local and national discount schemes
Clear progression routes
- Opportunities to step up specialise or move across departments
- Leadership pathways
- Support to gain teaching qualifications
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
.png)
Welcome to Wigan & Leigh College we offer a wide range of courses to help individuals achieve success from 16+.
