Adult Learning Manager

Permanent, full-time post (working 37 hours per week) | Salary: up to £45,593 per annum

Location: Derwentside College, regional travel will be required as part of the role

Closing Date: Sunday 26 April 2026

Why Derwentside College?

Derwentside College is a vibrant and inclusive Further Education college located in the heart of Consett, delivering a broad range of high‑quality provision to young people and adults from across the local community.  We are proud of our strong focus on student success, staff wellbeing and meaningful engagement with employers and partners.

Our Adult Learning team has established long-standing partnerships with a wide range of employers and community organisations across the North East.  These relationships enable us to deliver high-quality, responsive provision that meets local and regional skills needs.  As we continue to expand our adult learning offer, we are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking professional to join our wider College leadership team.

What you will do

Derwentside College’s Adult Learning team is dynamic and innovative, placing learners, employers, and communities at the centre of our work.  As Adult Learning Manager, you will play a key role in shaping and leading the College’s adult learning provision.  You will use your strong leadership skills to oversee the planning, delivery, and quality of teaching, learning, and assessment across the adult curriculum, ensuring programmes remain inclusive, industry‑relevant, and aligned with regulatory expectations.

With confidence in curriculum design and quality improvement, you will lead and motivate a team of Adult Education and Online Learning Tutors, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement.  You will also manage key funding contracts, including the Adult Skills Fund, ensuring provision is compliant, efficient, and delivers excellent outcomes for learners.  This role requires someone creative and passionate about adult education - someone who can build strong partnerships, manage resources effectively, and help the department thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving sector.

Who we are looking for

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• A strong background in curriculum planning, delivery, and quality improvement.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and lead staff towards outstanding performance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to represent the College externally.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• A commitment to high standards, continuous improvement, and delivering exceptional learner experiences.
• A teaching qualification and experience of securing external funding are desirable, but not essential. 

What’s in it for you?

• 36 days annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working – including a hybrid working arrangement
• Christmas closure days
• Salary sacrifice electric vehicle car leasing scheme
• Automatic entry to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Annual staff wellbeing days
• Continuous professional development
• Free on-site parking 

This is a permanent, full-time post (working 37 hours per week).  Regional travel will be required as part of the role; therefore, use of your own transport, a current valid driving licence and business insurance is essential.  Starting salary will depend upon an individual’s level of experience. 

If you would like to discuss the posts in more detail, please contact Alex Muir, Assistant Principal - Curriculum alex.muir@derwentside.ac.uk 

The College is positively committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, young people and vulnerable adults who attend its education and training provision.  All staff are expected to share this commitment.  The person appointed will be required to obtain a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure. 

As an equal opportunities employer, the College welcomes applicants from all sections of the community.  If you require support with your application or any other part of the recruitment process please contact us on 01207 585900 or email hr@derwentside.ac.uk

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 26th April 2026

Please return completed application forms to hr@derwentside.ac.uk

No Agencies.

This job advert may close as soon as sufficient suitable applications have been received.  If interested, please apply for this post as soon as possible.

 

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