Faculty Director Construction

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours GMT on Tuesday 23 December 2025

Reference: 0866-25

About the College

Sunderland College has three campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we are graded as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud to provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

The Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) in Sunderland is a pioneering initiative dedicated to transforming the construction and housing sectors through advanced education, innovation, and sustainable practices. HICSA, recently awarded the CTEC (Construction Technical Excellence College) will serve as the regional hub specialising in construction training, working with providers, raising industry standards and addressing skills shortages.City campus delivers construction brick and multi skills and holds our 14-16 academies, also situated in Sunderland adjacent to the Interchange.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

Following on from our recent recruitment of a Regional Skills Director to lead on the CTEC. We are looking for a dynamic and courageous leader to aspire and lead with ambition to ensure vocational and technical provision across the curriculum has a regional, and national reputation for excellence within the modern construction and housing sector. Acting as a thought leader regionally and nationally to lead and collaborate on the skills needed for the region's ecosystem. You will adopt an unwavering approach to securing a consistent and sustained culture of aspiration and high expectation for the professional conduct of staff and students, maintaining excellent teaching, learning and assessment, and outcomes for students.

This role requires a changemaking mindset to be the driver to HICSA and City campus approach, working in partnership with employers, educational institutions, and public sector partners embodying the core principles of Skills England, which champions place-based skills solutions and deeper collaboration between education and industry.

HICSA offers a comprehensive range of programs and training opportunities designed to equip individuals with the skills required for contemporary construction challenges. These include courses in digital construction methods, sustainable building practices, and the integration of modern technologies. By fostering a collaborative environment, HICSA brings together industry professionals, educators, and learners to drive innovation and excellence in the housing sector. City campus houses construction brick and multi skills and competes within world skills at a national and regional level.

Role Overview

Through its commitment to innovation, education, and industry collaboration, HICSA is shaping the future of construction in Sunderland and beyond. This is a great opportunity to be part of a unique and ground breaking project that will shape technical provision and be a blueprint for exceptional practice across college and industry, leading on technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Leading by example and inspiring staff to support an outstanding experience, progress, and destination of our students, by setting high expectations of responsibility, accountability, and ownership. Role modelling our professional values, leading, and managing to inform a culture of excellence is essential. This person will be innovative and courageous in our approach to delivery of future ready, modern construction methods.

Work closely with employers, locally and nationally, to ensure the curriculum is aligned with current industry needs. Develop partnerships that will help shape the curriculum, provide valuable work experience placements, and offer real-world insight into the evolving demands of the industry.

Promote a research-informed curriculum and immersive learning experience through Real-World and Immersive Exhibits. Provide exhibits within HICSA and City campus spaces for students to engage in practical 'real life' projects and displays.

Why Join Us

• Be at the forefront of a project that is shaping the future of construction education.
• Collaborate with industry professionals to drive innovation and excellence.
• Influence the development of a technical curriculum that meets the needs of the modern construction industry. Contribute to a collaborative environment that fosters learning and professional growth. This is your chance to make a significant impact on the future of construction education and training. Join us at HICSA and be part of a team dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Qualifications

• Graduate or equivalent level qualification in a related subject area.
• Appropriate higher level academic or professional qualification in leadership and management.
• A PGCE or relevant teacher training qualification and or the relevant industry experience
• Evidence of progressive career development and continuous personal development in either education or relevant industry
• Level 2 qualifications in English and Maths.
• Experience in Further Education/HE/Relevant industry in leadership and/or management role in all of the following:
• Curriculum or industry development and innovation in construction and housing
• Improving the quality of teaching, learning and assessment or evidence of exemplary industry practice.
• Raising standards in the quality of student achievement, progress and success

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

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