Head of Department - Product Design

Job title and organisation: Head of Department - Product Design

Salary
:
Appointment will be made on the Sixth Form Colleges Association Salary spine for teaching staff, Spine 1 £ 33,465 to Spine 9 £ 51,714, plus 3 responsibility allowance points (3 x £1,341) per annum.

Hours
:
Full time

Contract
:
Permanent

Location
:
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, St Mark's Avenue

Closing Date and Time: Friday 30 January 2026 at 9 AM

Applications from all faiths are welcomed

We are looking for an inspirational and visionary individual to the full-time post of Head of Product Design, who can build on the academic success of the subject area, to lead and further develop the team.

Product Design is a highly successful and popular department with over 17 years of outstanding success. The department has highly committed, enthusiastic, specialist staff and runs two courses: A Level Product Design (following the AQA specification) and CTEC in Art and Design following an architectural/interior design pathway. Currently 150 students are studying A level Product Design or CTEC Art and Design.

The Product Design Department has an excellent reputation for innovation within the college and prides itself on its close links with higher education and both local and regional industry specialists. The department has a purpose-built accommodation with some of the latest specialist IT and CNC facilities, which are used extensively including Google Sketchup, Solid Works and Tech Soft 2D design.

There is a friendly and professional atmosphere within the department and a strong emphasis on encouraging a positive rapport between staff and students in the pursuit of academic success. There is a wealth of experience and professional knowledge, and an encouragement to undertake CPD. This is an exciting time to join the department and the college as we continue to invest in the specialist accommodation and resources across the site.

You will have a track record of outstanding success and be able to make a significant contribution to the future of Notre Dame within an inclusive environment, where we have a real commitment to the personal and academic development of all students.

Management responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and management of the Product Design department to provide outstanding standards of student achievement and attainment within the department.
• To develop, motivate and inspire colleagues within the department in line with the College’s Ethos and Mission Statement.
• To pro-actively lead the department in the provision of an outstanding quality of education as evidenced in all the key performance indicators, especially value added and high grades.
• To pro-actively lead the department in embracing a varied and effective range of teaching and learning strategies appropriate to the post-16 learner, including the appropriate integration of ILT.
• To pro-actively lead the curriculum and curriculum development of the department
• To rigorously monitor and track the Quality Assurance in the department’s teaching, learning and assessment to ensure consistency of outstanding provision
• To be a ‘champion of the student’ and to have overall responsibility for monitoring and improving student performance in terms of Key Performance Indicators.
• To employ effective strategies to maintain outstanding retention and achievement in line with college and national benchmarks.
• To produce an annual SAR (Self-Assessment Review) and rigorously monitor this involving both staff and students to maintain outstanding provision.
• To develop a vibrant, enriching and enjoyable experience for all students within the department.
• To manage the departmental budget.
• To manage, guide, direct and undertake Appraisals with staff within the department and ensure their training and development needs are identified and met.
• To allocate responsibilities within the department to maximise the skills and talents of individuals.
• To provide opportunities for formal and informal meetings within the department.
• To attend meetings in accordance with the College meetings’ schedule.
• To be responsible for all relevant and timely reports to SLT and Governors
• To be…