Chief Operating Officer / Deputy CEO
Isle of Wight College
Salary Range: Competitive (dependent on experience and qualifications)
The Isle of Wight College is seeking to appoint an outstanding Chief Operating Officer / Deputy CEO to join its executive leadership team. This is a pivotal role, providing strategic leadership and operational oversight in areas such as MIS and funding, finance, estates and health and safety, IT, human resources, quality assurance, capital projects and franchised provision.
About the College and Our Strategic Plan:
The Isle of Wight College is the sole general further education provider on the island, serving students across a broad curriculum from foundation learning to higher education. Our strategic plan (2024–2030) sets out our commitment to:
- Putting students first and delivering excellent outcomes in an aspirational and inclusive environment.
- Developing a relevant, flexible curriculum aligned to national, regional, and local skills priorities, including advanced manufacturing, marine engineering, digital technologies, and green energy.
- Supporting staff and student wellbeing, promoting an inclusive environment, and fostering lifelong learning.
- Ensuring strong financial performance and sustainability through prudent management and diversified funding sources.
- Building purposeful, mutually beneficial relationships with employers and the wider community.
- Promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable practices across our sites.
Our vision is to create a more prosperous, inclusive, and vibrant Isle of Wight, made possible by the leadership, innovation, and contributions of our students, staff, and partners.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and implementation of financial strategy, ensuring the College’s financial health and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
- Oversee the delivery of corporate services to an excellent standard, such as estates management, health and safety, IT, human resources, MIS and funding, quality assurance, capital projects and franchised provision.
- Lead curriculum planning to ensure the College’s provision meets the needs of students and the local economy.
- Champion quality assurance, safeguarding, health and safety, risk management and business continuity across all areas of College operations.
- Foster a culture of wellbeing, inclusion, and professional development for all staff.
- As part of the executive leadership team, deputise for the principal, providing decisive leadership in their absence and supporting effective governance.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Significant experience and proved track record at a senior management level in further education or a similarly complex environment.
- Strong financial acumen and the ability to manage complex budgets and resources.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to lead through challenge and change, maintaining high standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and the welfare and success of students and staff.
Why Join Isle of Wight College?
- Be part of a college with a proud heritage and ambitious vision for the future.
- Work alongside dedicated professionals in a unique and inspiring island setting.
- Lead transformational projects that will shape education for generations to come.
If you are ready to provide strategic leadership, drive operational excellence, and make a significant impact on the future of the Isle of Wight College, we invite you to apply.
To apply, please submit your covering letter, CV and supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role. Your supporting statement should demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the key competencies for the role (your statement should be a maximum of 2 sides of A4).
Please email Cheryl Blackley Head of HR, People and Culture for a recruitment pack - cheryl.blackley@iwcollege.ac.uk
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the current Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO, Fidelma Washington at fidelma.washington@iwcollege.ac.uk to arrange a call.
Closing date for applications is midday, 4th January 2026.
Interview date/assessment centre: Tuesday 13th January 2026