Head of Colleges

Job Types: Full time, Permanent

Hours: 40 per week

Salary: £80,000 – £85,000 per year

Location: Multi-site (England & Wales) – Regular travel required

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional educational leader to join our Education Senior Leadership Team as Head of Colleges, providing strategic leadership across our specialist college provision.

This is a key leadership opportunity for an experienced further education professional to influence educational strategy, lead College Principals, and drive outstanding outcomes across a growing network of six specialist college sites.

Working closely with the Divisional Director and wider Executive Team, the Head of Colleges will shape the future direction of college provision, ensuring learners receive high-quality education, meaningful pathways, and support to achieve independence, employment, and lifelong success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an ambitious strategic vision for specialist college provision, aligned with organisational objectives and learner outcomes.
• Provide leadership and direction to College Principals, supporting consistent standards and effective delivery across multiple sites.
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning, assessment, and learner progression.
• Lead quality assurance, self-assessment, improvement planning, and inspection readiness across all college locations.
• Use performance data and insight to improve achievement, attendance, retention, and learner outcomes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and embed a culture of innovation, accountability, and high performance.
• Build leadership capability through coaching, succession planning, and development of senior education teams., and ensure strong alignment between schools and colleges to create effective learner transition pathways.
• Work collaboratively with care, safeguarding, and support teams to ensure holistic outcomes for learners.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers, local authorities, regulators, and external education partners.
• Represent the organisation confidently within the wider specialist education sector.
• Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the Education Senior Leadership Team.

About You

• Significant senior leadership experience within further education, specialist education, or a multi-site educational environment.
• Proven experience leading educational improvement and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and inspection processes.
• Experience managing and developing senior leaders within complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of quality assurance, self-assessment, and improvement planning.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with effective operational leadership.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, learner success, and delivering outstanding educational experiences.
• Resilient, innovative, and able to lead change across multiple services and teams.
• PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification essential.
• SENCO qualification and/or NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification desirable.

Benefits

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing resources, and mental health support.
• Access to online GP services, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
• Financial wellbeing support, including Wagestream, utility savings, and Life Assurance.
• Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, online wellbeing resources, and lifestyle benefits.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Inclusive and values-led working environment where your contribution creates meaningful impact.

Additional Information

This is a multi-site leadership role requiring regular travel across six college locations. Flexibility is required, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and off-site meetings.

At Olive Recruit, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. Our core values, Integrity, Impact, Inclusivity, and Innovation, guide our efforts to create an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to excel.

As a recruitment agency, we prioritise sourcing and placing diverse candidates with our clients, recognising that diverse perspectives are essential for business success and inclusive work environments.

We take great pride in celebrating the unique backgrounds and experiences of our team members and candidates. By embracing these different perspectives, we not only create a great place to work but also better serve our clients. Your individuality is what makes our team strong.

Join us in championing our values and building a workplace where everyone can thrive.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All colleagues are expected to share this commitment and participate fully in safeguarding training and processes.

The successful applicant will undergo a free enhanced disclosure from the disclosure barring service & other compliance checks required.