Head of Structural Technologies

Job Description: Head of Structural Technologies

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: Recognized 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.