As a Careers Manager, you lead the strategic delivery of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) across the academy. You ensure compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks, coordinate employer engagement and work experience programmes, and line-manage the careers team to provide outstanding support for students' future pathways.
The typical career stops on the way to this destination
Start in a school administration or student support role to gain an understanding of the education environment. Alternatively, enter from a background in recruitment, HR, or youth work.
Work directly with students providing one-to-one careers guidance interviews, supporting applications, and delivering careers education sessions. Begin your Level 6 qualification in Career Guidance and Development.
Take on greater responsibility for programme design, employer partnerships, and Gatsby Benchmark compliance. Develop experience of managing work experience placements and coordinating careers events across the school.
You've arrived at your destination. As Careers Manager, you lead the entire CEIAG strategy, line-manage the careers team, report to SLT on Gatsby Benchmark progress, and ensure every student receives high-quality guidance to support their post-16 and post-18 transitions.
The personal attributes that will help you thrive in this role
Ability to design and deliver a whole-school careers strategy aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks and Ofsted expectations.
Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with employers, universities, apprenticeship providers, and community partners.
Confident in delivering impartial one-to-one careers guidance interviews and group sessions that inspire and inform students.
Able to track and report on destination data, student engagement metrics, and benchmark progress to inform strategy.
Experience of line-managing staff, coordinating volunteers, and leading a team to deliver a high-quality careers programme.
Up-to-date understanding of the local and national labour market, apprenticeship routes, and higher education pathways.