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Head of Careers and Progressions
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Head of Careers and Progressions (Connecting Learners to the World of Work)
Location: Cross campus role for Rotherham College, Dearne Valley College and University Centre Rotherham in Rotherham and North Notts College in Worksop
Salary: A GBP 49,860 a year + benefits
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full-time 37 hours each week, all year-round
Are you ready to redefine how education meets the world of work?
At the RNN Group, our ambition is clear: Leading innovation and skills in our communities. We are looking for an extraordinary, dynamic, and forward-thinking leader to step into the pivotal role of Head of Careers and Progressions.
As the Head of Careers and Progressions, you will bridge the gap between full-time education and sustainable, paid employment. You will lead, modernise, and champion the Group's careers and transition strategy, ensuring every student who walks through our doors gains complete clarity on their next steps.
Key Responsibilities and Leadership Scope
- Strategic Team Leadership: Lead and line-manage the Work Placement, Careers, and Individual Placement Support (IPS) teams, supporting advisors to achieve essential Level 6 CEIAG qualifications and ensuring every student receives expert, actionable guidance.
- In-House Recruitment Agency: Establish an agency-style model that pairs employer skill shortages directly with learners' talent, creating direct routes from full-time study into sustainable, paid employment.
- Defence and Regional Hub Initiatives: Build an experiential Careers/CEIAG HUB supporting the Group's role as a Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC) and aligning local skills with the UK's Defence Industrial Strategy, Fusion Power, STEM priorities, and the Trent Supercluster Gateway.
- Inclusive Pathways: Oversee tailored employment pathways for students with SEND needs and lead targeted re-engagement initiatives for hard-to-reach or hidden 19-24 NEET adults.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner closely with internal teams (Employer Engagement, Curriculum, Deputy CEO/Principal) and regional bodies (SYMCA, EMCCA Careers Hubs) to embed place-based skills solutions and prepare for FE/HE inspections and TEF validation.
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If you are passionate about raising aspirations, dismantling social barriers, and creating high-value employer partnerships that transform lives, this is your opportunity to make a lasting regional impact.
What you will need in this role
Qualifications
- Degree-level qualification (or equivalent professional experience)
- Professional qualification in Careers Guidance (e.g., Level 6) or Management
- Level 2 Literacy and Numeracy (or equivalent)
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Experience
- Proven experience in leading, motivating, and managing high-performing teams.
- Track record of building strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships with external employers.
- Background in marketing educational/training provisions and negotiating business commitments.
- Demonstrated ability to drive and exceed performance targets (e.g., student destinations, placement completions).
Practical Skills and Attitudes
- Highly developed communication, negotiation, and influencing skills across all levels.
- In-depth understanding of the Further Education sector, funding streams, and Gatsby Benchmarks.
- Strong knowledge of the local/regional economic landscape and LSIPs (Local Skills Improvement Plans).
- Data-driven analytical skills to monitor progression metrics and present strategic reports to senior leaders.
Your Direct Leadership Scope
- Work Placement Team: Leading operations to secure meaningful industry placements.
- Careers Team: Line managing and supporting team members to acquire Level 6 CEIAG qualifications and deliver Gatsby Benchmark excellence.
- Individual Placement Support (IPS) and Youth/Job Guarantee Teams: Overseeing bespoke interventions for NEET adults, disadvantaged learners, and SEND students.
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