Head of Engineering (Higher Education)

About the Role

As the Head of Higher Education Engineering at Wigan & Leigh College, you will lead and shape our Higher Education Engineering portfolio. This is a permanent full-time position based in Leigh, Auckland, New Zealand, requiring 37 hours per week. The salary range is between £57,141 and £64,285 annually, with potential for negotiation for exceptional candidates.

Our college is committed to providing students with cutting-edge education including additive manufacturing, robotics, and advanced energy technologies through state-of-the-art facilities mirroring industry environments. Our achievement rates are notably above the national average, and our apprenticeships are regionally recognized for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Higher Education Engineering programs, translating strategy into effective operational plans.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio including higher apprenticeships, Pearson Higher Nationals, and provision through university partners.
• Initiate new courses driven by student interest, employer needs, and regional skills demands.
• Monitor and enhance recruitment, student retention, achievement, progression, and satisfaction, spearheading quality improvements.
• Manage and develop staff teams, collaborate with leading employers, universities, and awarding bodies.
• Oversee budgets, allocate resources, and maintain specialized learning environments.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a degree or equivalent higher qualification in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Hold a recognized teaching qualification.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in teaching and leading Higher Education Engineering programs.
• Have proven competency managing higher-level academic programs with a record of improving student or apprentice results.
• Be knowledgeable about higher apprenticeships, gateway and end-point assessments.
• Exhibit confidence in liaising with employers, universities, awarding bodies, and external partners.
• Display ambition to elevate Higher Education Engineering's profile as a transformative and valuable career pathway.
• Maintain credibility among employers, academic peers, and senior leadership.
• Show strategic thinking to identify future directions and implement plans effectively.
• Demonstrate a data-driven approach to enhance quality and proactively address issues.
• Keep academic offerings aligned with current industrial technologies and employer requirements.

Additional Requirements

• An enhanced DBS check will be required upon employment; the College will facilitate this process.
• A commitment to safeguarding, inclusivity, and adherence to institutional values is essential.
• Flexibility to operate across multiple campus locations and partner sites.
• Willingness to occasionally work beyond standard hours as required.

Why Join Us?

Wigan & Leigh College plays a crucial role in shaping the future skills landscape of the North-West region. We are the lead further education partner within the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology and the North-West Construction Technical Excellence College. You will lead innovative programs on cutting-edge equipment backed by continued institutional investment.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave including bank holidays (dependent on role).
• Family-friendly leave policies.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing.
• Medicash healthcare plan and occupational health support.
• Confidential counselling services.
• Eye test vouchers via Specsavers.
• A supportive workplace culture fostering mutual care.
• Participation in the Teachers' Pension Scheme.
• Access to salary sacrifice schemes such as Cycle to Work and technology purchase programs.
• Railcard and Tusker Green car schemes.
• Local and national discount opportunities.
• Opportunities for career progression, including leadership development and pathways to specialize or move across departments.
• Support to obtain teaching qualifications.

Application

The application deadline is 17 July 2026. Candidates are encouraged to complete the full application form; CVs alone will not be accepted.

About Wigan & Leigh College

We are dedicated to changing lives through technical educational excellence, raising aspirations, and fostering socio-economic growth within our community. The work you do here will have a profound impact on students and the wider region while offering meaningful opportunities for your personal and professional growth.