Job Description

About the role:

Activate Learning have an exciting opportunity to join us as Head of Careers!


In this role you'll plan, implement and evaluate a strategy for career learning and employability skills development across the careers team. This strategy will be based on the Gatsby benchmarks and the CDI framework that prepares learners to make informed decisions and successful transitions in education, training, and employment and to manage their career.


To do this you'll combine careers and labour market information, input from key stakeholders and external employers to plan and deliver the support we offer students from enrolment to progression.


As well as working with other internal and external stakeholders, you'll manage the Career Delivery Leads for each region to support their delivery of outstanding careers services for each of their campuses. You will also lead on Matrix Standard accreditation and preparation for Ofsted inspections for careers across Activate Learning.


This is a permanent, full-time role that can be based at any of our campuses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Surrey, with travel to our other locations to support the careers team across the group.

What do you need to be successful as Head of Careers at Activate Learning?

Suitable candidates will have a L6 Careers Guidance qualifications, and broad experience of careers guidance delivery. You should be comfortable innovating our provision in design and delivery, making best use of technology to achieve objectives.


Ideally you will also have a L6 Careers Leader qualification, and experience in further education environments.


You'll have management or leadership experience, as well as a strong customer focus with the ability to develop successful relationships at all levels and work collaboratively to support your management of a disparate team.

Who we are:

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.


We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.


When you work for Activate Learning, you're working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Why work with the Activate Learning Group?

Here are some of our benefits:

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards:

Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.

Wellbeing & Resources Groups:

Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.

Company benefits:

Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.

Learning and Development:

continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.

Teaching Support:

Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.

Pension Schemes:

Teacher pension scheme for Activate Learning staff.

Generous Annual Leave:

Up to 6 weeks paid leave.

Flexible Working:

Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.

Competitive salaries:

Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.

On-Site Facilities:

Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our

work-with-us/wellbeing-and-benefits page

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity, closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage please contact the talent team directly.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter into an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.