Director of Agriculture and Environmental Studies
Plumpton College, Ditchling Road, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3AE18 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
1 November 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
14 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher or lecturer
- Leadership and management
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Agriculture, horticulture and land-based studies
Working pattern
- Full time: Basic working hours are from 0830hrs to 1700hrs Monday to Friday, but some flexibility will be required to meet the needs of the business. This is an all-year-round post. There will be some evening and weekend working required to support department and whole college events where there will be a requirement to attend.
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- Up to £60,000 per annum plus relocation pacakage
What skills and experience we're looking for
Assessment Centre: 13th November
Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, set within the inspiring landscape of the South Downs National Park. We deliver high-quality vocational and academic programmes from Entry Level through to Master’s degrees across nineteen specialist subject areas, including agriculture, animal science, veterinary science, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies.
Our work is guided by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive and Enterprising — which shape our culture, expectations and commitment to excellence. We are proud to foster a learning environment that is learner-focused, industry-connected and future-oriented.
We are now seeking an outstanding and forward‑thinking leader to take on the pivotal role of Director of Agriculture and Environment Studies. This leadership position offers a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction, growth and long‑term sustainability of one of Plumpton College’s most significant curriculum departments.
As Director, you will provide visionary leadership across agriculture and environmental provision, ensuring programmes remain innovative, sector‑leading and closely aligned to industry and labour market needs. The role plays a key part in strengthening Plumpton College’s reputation as a centre of excellence within the land‑based and environmental sectors.
In this role, you will:
Set and deliver a clear strategic vision for Agriculture and Environment Studies, anticipating sector trends, future skills needs and national priorities.
Build and sustain strong partnerships with employers, industry bodies and stakeholders to inform curriculum development and drive regional and national impact.
Lead and inspire managers and teams, fostering a high‑performance culture and developing future leaders across the division.
Ensure consistently outstanding teaching, learning and assessment, championing innovation, learner engagement and progression.
Oversee curriculum activity, ensuring sustainable growth, effective use of resources and delivery against performance and financial targets.
Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement through the effective use of data, evaluation and learner feedback.
Contribute to wider College leadership, governance and cross‑college initiatives, supporting strategic development and external engagement.
This is a strategic and influential role with significant scope to shape the future of agriculture and environmental education at both regional and national levels.
About You
We are seeking a collaborative, ambitious and strategic leader with a strong commitment to learner success and sector excellence. You will bring:
Proven experience of leading and managing teams, with the ability to inspire, develop managers and deliver sustained high performance.
A track record of leading change, driving improvement and achieving strong learner outcomes.
Relevant professional or academic qualifications, with experience in curriculum leadership, teaching and/or assessment.
Sector knowledge and industry insight within agriculture, environmental studies or related land‑based disciplines.
Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams and external partners.
Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with confidence using data and management information to inform decision‑making.
A commitment to continuous professional development and collaborative working.
A leadership qualification and/or postgraduate qualification (Master’s degree or PhD) would be welcomed but is not essential.
What the college offers its staff
We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days. The role is eligible for the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high‑quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.
New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in‑house Level 5 trained coaches.
Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
In addition, support with relocation including possible accommodation in shared staff housing for up to the first six months of employment. Please note we are unable to provide any visa sponsorships.
Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.
We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.
Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Apply now to play a leading role in shaping the future of agriculture and environmental education and to make a lasting impact on learners, employers and the wider sector.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on college website (opens in new tab)About Plumpton College
- Organisation type
- FE College, ages 16 to 99
- Education phase
- Sixth form or FE college
- Size
- No information available
- Age range
- 16 to 99
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Plumpton College website
- Email address
- recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk
Arranging a visit to Plumpton College
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk.
College location
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