Are you an experienced operational leader passionate about technical education, construction skills, employer engagement and regional workforce development?

The South East Construction Technical Excellence College (SECTEC) is seeking an ambitious Head of SECTEC Operations to lead the operational delivery and coordination of a pioneering programme transforming construction education and skills across nine counties.

You will play a central role in the delivery of the Teacher Industry Exchange (TIE) programme, working with further education providers, construction employers, industry bodies, Employer Representative Bodies and strategic partners to strengthen collaboration between industry and education.

You will lead the day-to-day operation of SECTEC and TIE, translating strategic priorities into effective delivery across the South East. You will develop and implement delivery plans, establish robust processes and systems, monitor performance against KPIs, manage budgets and contracts, and ensure programme activity delivers meaningful outcomes for employers, education providers and learners.

A key focus will be building and sustaining a strong regional network, supporting partners to overcome barriers to participation, sharing good practice and ensuring consistent and effective delivery across the programme.

You will also lead the TIE central team, coordinate regional partners, oversee governance and reporting, and work closely with the SECTEC Executive Director and Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre to ensure strong alignment between programme delivery, evaluation and wider SECTEC activity.

An important part of the role will be supporting the development of a sustainable delivery model for TIE beyond the current funding period, identifying opportunities to strengthen partnerships, resources and collaboration so that the programme can achieve a lasting legacy.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in a flagship Department for Education initiative addressing construction skills shortages, strengthening technical education and supporting the ambition to build 1.5 million new homes.

If you are an operationally strong, collaborative and influential leader who can bring people together, establish effective systems and turn ambitious programmes into measurable impact, we would love to hear from you.

The Role:

Where you’ll work: This role is based at our NKC Gravesend College and has the opportunity to work from home, but will require travel across South East region

Your hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum (1 FTE).

Your contract: This project is funded by the Department for Education until 31st March 2029, with funding contracts to NKC Group confirmed annually. This role is therefore offered initially as a fixed term contract until 31 March 2027, with the intention to extend annually by mutual agreement to 31 March 2029.

Your pay: £60,000 per annum

The Group:

North Kent Colleges Group is proudly rated as an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider, with ‘Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent (Dartford, Gravesend, Hadlow and Tonbridge) and over 6,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.

The Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following benefits here at NKC Group:

• 40 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time contracts).
• Enrolment onto the People’s Partnership pension scheme (as part of the staff of North Kent College Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Kent College).
• Access to free parking and a number of onsite facilities, including gyms, restaurants and coffee shops.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent Colleges Group staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.

Please note that the closing date for applications is 25 October 2026 with interviews scheduled to take place 05 November 2026.

North Kent Colleges Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment. Posts at the College, a specified establishment where the work gives opportunity for contact with children, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to complete and submit prior to their interview a self-declaration of their criminal record