Head of Careers & Employability

Interview date: 10 November 2025

About the Job

The University of Northampton is looking for a Head of Careers and Employability with extensive experience to join our enthusiastic Student Futures team.

The post holder is responsible for increasing the volume of graduate destinations achieved by graduates at the University. They ensure the provision of a sector leading careers and employability service to all students with high quality information, advice, and guidance provided in line with the University's Student Experience Strategy.

This post is a key part of the senior leadership team within Student Futures and will manage a team of Careers & Employability Partners (CEPs). These CEPs work to support students to have clarity of direction, secure work experience and have the belief and confidence to recognise and articulate the skills they have developed.

The post will contribute to the University's equality, diversity, and inclusion priorities and those of the Access and Participation Plan (APP) by ensuring the service is accessible to all and contributes to addressing inequalities in graduate outcomes.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

About you

• You will hold a track record in building internal and external partnerships at a senior level, with large and complex organisations
• Experience of successfully interpreting strategic objectives into operational delivery
• Experience of managing, driving forward and successfully evaluating the impact of employability initiatives
• Experience of leading a team of target driven people, establishing KPIs and supporting a team to achieve those objectives
• A demonstrable understanding of the HE sector and the part that data can play to influence Graduate Outcomes performance
• Up-to-date knowledge of key data, labour market information, graduate employment information, policies, challenges, opportunities and resources relating to the employability of graduates
• Proven track record in leveraging resources to enhance service delivery
• Demonstrate an understanding of HR policies and procedures
• Ability to identify and undertake vital conversations and delegate appropriately
• A strategic thinker, able to articulate 'the big picture' toothers, using data and evidence to back up views and ideas, and to build commitment to the use of data to inform decision making

Qualification

Essential;

• An honours degree or equivalent, or relevant work experience
• Aprofessional qualification in careers advice and guidance or relevant alternative experience

Department

Student Futures has the overarching objectives of ensuring University of Northampton students are equipped with skills and experiences to make them future ready, are able to make the transition into graduate employment or further study and can be a changemaker who has societal impact.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment:Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff:Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities:Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON's Major Commitments

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON