Department Manager - Foundations (Vocational English)

Location: Broadmeadows campus (travel across campuses required)
Role Type: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: $160K (including super) per annum

About The Role:

This is a newly created leadership opportunity within our Foundations Education Centre, established in response to the significant growth, complexity and strategic importance of Vocational English across Bendigo Kangan Institute.

As Department Manager - Foundations (Vocational English), you will provide strategic, operational and people leadership for all Vocational English / TESOL programs across metropolitan and regional campuses. This includes oversight of English programs delivered under the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), as well as a strong focus on growth, pathway development and community partnerships.

You will lead a high-performing portfolio with five Program Lead direct reports, working closely with fellow Department Managers, the Director of Education and key internal and external stakeholders. This role plays a critical part in ensuring quality educational delivery, compliance, financial performance and a strong student experience for newly arrived migrants and foundational learners.

This is a role for a confident, values-led leader who can balance commercial acumen, educational excellence and deep people leadership, while navigating change and supporting teams operating across diverse delivery locations.

Key Responsibilities:
In this role you will:

• Lead all Vocational English / TESOL programs across metro and regional Victoria
• Drive strategic growth, AMEP performance and funding diversification
• Lead and develop Program Leads and teaching teams across multiple locations
• Ensure compliant, high‑quality delivery meeting ASQA, funding and BKI standards
• Build strong community, industry and internal partnerships to enhance pathways

About You:
You are a strategic and people-centred education leader with deep expertise in TESOL / Vocational English and experience operating across complex, regulated education environments.

You bring:

• Demonstrated leadership experience within vocational, adult or foundation education
• Strong understanding of EAL Framework and TESOL delivery, AMEP or similar government-funded programs
• Proven ability to lead geographically dispersed teams and manage multiple stakeholders
• Sound commercial and operational capability, including budgets, forecasting and growth planning
• Strong strategic thinking and problem‑solving capability, with the ability to navigate complexity
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication and influencing skills
• The ability to lead teams through change with empathy, clarity and confidence
• A genuine commitment to inclusive education, student wellbeing and community impact

Qualifications & Compliance Requirements:
Appropriate qualifications include, but are not limited to:

• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE)
• A four-year Bachelor of Education, with TESOL as a method
  OR
• An undergraduate degree in teaching or education plus a postgraduate TESOL qualification at AQF 8 or above

We can offer you:

• Attractive work-life balance and flexible work options
• Free onsite parking for most campuses
• Professional development programs
• Fitness Passport Program with exclusive access for you and your family to 230+ locations Australia wide
• Counselling support (EAP) and Health & Wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
• Meaningful work that drives positive social impact  
• The opportunity to build a career in a world leading vocational education and training sector, with diverse and emerging career opportunities across Australia.

Things we will require from you:

• Relevant compliance documents including Working with Children Clearance (WWCC), current police check, certified right to work documentation

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a team that values your expertise and empowers you to make a real impact. Apply today and help shape the future of education and innovation at Bendigo Kangan Institute.

If you have any accessibility requirements to participate in the recruitment process, or are experiencing technical difficulties applying for this job please contact careers@kangan.edu.au

Only applications from candidates with valid working rights will be considered. We are a child safe and equal opportunity employer and therefore the successful candidate will be required to hold a current Working with Children check clearance.

Bendigo Kangan Institute acknowledges that their campuses are located on the ancestral lands of the Djaara people of Dja Dja Wurrung, Wurundjeri Peoples of the Kulin Nations, Yorta Yorta Nations and the Gunaikurnai people. The Institute respects their Elders past present and emerging and cultural heritage, and we recognize their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.

Applications close 26th April 2026

Applications will be assessed continuously - interviews may commence prior to advertised closing date.

NOTE: Bendigo Kangan Institute reserves the right to withdraw this advertised position at any stage.

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