Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.

The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

About the Candidate

We are looking for an inspiring, resilient and highly organised curriculum manager who can motivate others, maintain high standards and drive continuous improvement within Creative Industries. The successful candidate will be a strong people manager with the confidence and transformational leadership style to lead staff through day to day operational demands while keeping students at the heart of decision making. They will be committed to high quality teaching, learning and assessment, able to work positively with colleagues, our industry partners and external stakeholders, and passionate about developing an ambitious, inclusive and destination driven curriculum.

This person will be a Changemaker by leading positive improvement in curriculum quality, student experience and team performance. They will champion innovation in teaching and learning, promote high expectations, and create a culture where staff and students are supported to thrive, progress and succeed.

About the Role

This is a key leadership role within Creative Industries, responsible for the operational management of the curriculum area, the leadership of teaching, learning and assessment, and the line management of staff. The postholder will lead curriculum planning, course review, quality assurance, student progress and team performance, while ensuring awarding body requirements, college policies and safeguarding responsibilities are fully met.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to shape and lead a creative curriculum offer, influence standards across a team, and make a visible impact on student outcomes and experiences. The role offers broad leadership responsibility across curriculum planning, quality improvement, staff development and stakeholder engagement, making it an excellent progression opportunity for an ambitious middle leader. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to further develop expertise in quality systems, curriculum innovation, digital approaches to teaching and learning, and leadership within FE and HE related provision.

Qualifications

• Appropriate degree or equivalent

• Level 2 English and maths qualification

• Up to date continuous professional development

• Minimum Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent, or commitment to complete within the first two year

Essential Skills & Experience

• Recent and relevant experience in Further Education and/or Higher Education, including curriculum development and innovation

• Experience of improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and raising standards of student experience, progress and destinations

• Experience of successfully leading and managing a team and/or a significant aspect of the curriculum

• Experience of quality assurance processes, including internal quality assurance, self assessment, quality improvement planning and liaison with awarding bodies

• Evidence of collecting, analysing and acting on data accurately to improve performance

• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to motivate staff, manage underperformance and meet demanding targets

• Up to date knowledge of FE curriculum developments, qualification frameworks, accreditation arrangements and teaching, learning and assessment practice

What’s in it for you?

Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)

• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)

• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role

• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.

• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.

• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.

• Free parking on most campuses.