Head of Colleges – Senior Leadership Role

About the role

This newly created senior leadership position will provide strategic direction across a portfolio of specialist education services while holding executive responsibility for a flagship college. Based at home with regular travel to Lancaster and other sites, the role reports directly to the Director of Education.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for multiple specialist education settings.
• Lead, mentor and develop senior education leaders across the portfolio.
• Drive quality improvement, operational excellence and inspection readiness.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, regulatory and commissioning requirements.
• Support financial performance, occupancy targets and sustainable growth.
• Build and maintain relationships with commissioners, local authorities and key stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy and future development initiatives.

Required profile

• Significant senior leadership experience within specialist education, particularly post‑16 SEND provision.
• Proven multi‑site leadership with a track record of improving quality and outcomes.
• Experience working with regulators and commissioners.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building abilities.
• Demonstrated capability to drive organisational growth and financial performance.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary of £80,000–£85,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the future of specialist education across multiple sites.
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.