Head of Department - Travel, Food and Drink

"About the Role

Leeds City College is seeking an exceptional and commercially driven Head of Department for Travel, Food & Drink to lead a vibrant and high‑profile curriculum area at our Printworks Campus.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a curriculum that delivers outstanding education and student outcomes, and operates with a strong commercial mindset, maximising income generation, employer partnerships and real‑world learning environments.

• Lead a strong, employer‑led curriculum across Travel, Food & Drink, ensuring it is ambitious, relevant and aligned to industry standards.
• Drive high achievement, retention and progression outcomes, using data to identify gaps and implement rapid improvements.
• Create and deliver a clear commercial strategy for the area, increasing income through full‑cost courses, apprenticeships and commercial activity.
• Oversee and grow commercial learning environments (e.g. student restaurant, butchers block), ensuring they deliver both high‑quality student experience and revenue.
• Build strong partnerships with employers and industry, securing placements, live projects and progression opportunities.
• Lead and develop staff through performance management, coaching and CPD, creating a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Ensure consistently high standards in teaching, learning and assessment, aligned to Ofsted expectations.
• Take ownership of SAR, QIP and inspection readiness, ensuring a clear line of sight on impact.
• Manage budgets, staffing and resources to ensure efficiency, sustainability and growth.
• Contribute to wider college priorities including curriculum growth, innovation and skills development.

• Has proven experience in leading teams within FE, hospitality, travel or a related sector.
• Brings strong understanding of the food, hospitality or travel industries, with current or recent sector knowledge.
• Has a track record of improving quality and delivering strong student outcomes.
• Demonstrates commercial acumen, with experience of income generation and employer engagement.
• Is confident using data and KPIs to drive performance and decision‑making.
• Is an inspiring leader who can motivate, challenge and develop staff to perform at their best.
• Is passionate about delivering an exceptional student experience and preparing learners for industry.
• Has a teaching qualification and relevant professional qualifications.

• Annual Leave – Curriculum and Management: 44 days plus bank holidays;
  Curriculum support and business support: 39 days plus bank holidays.
• Pension Schemes With Generous Employer Contributions – Teachers’ Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, People’s Pension Scheme.
• CPD Opportunities – Annual staff conference plus two additional staff development days.
• Qualifications – PGCE, Apprenticeships, Leadership and Management Courses.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives – Family Friendly Policies; discounted on‑site spa (Printworks) and gym (Park Lane).
• Travel and commuting – Discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and cycle‑to‑work schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities – Flexibility varies by role; please discuss with the recruiting manager.

All staff and volunteers are required to share the college’s commitment to safeguarding and welfare of all students. Successful applicants will complete mandatory pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and online checks, and will provide two satisfactory references.

We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that embraces equality, diversity and inclusion in all its forms, ensuring every candidate is treated with fairness, respect and equity. All recruitment processes are designed to promote a diverse talent pool and remove bias.

We do not accept unsolicited CVs and applications from agencies and will not be liable for any fee in connection with a candidate that has been submitted speculatively through any agency that is not expressly instructed for this vacancy as part of our Preferred Supplier List.