Subject Leader - Books & Bindings

Subject Leader – Books & Bindings


Location: West Dean College, West Sussex
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Up to 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (0.4 or 0.6 FTE)
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum, pro rata for part-time


Join West Dean College

West Dean is a unique place to work, combining internationally recognised education in arts, design, craft and conservation with award-winning gardens, historic collections and a working estate in the South Downs National Park.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Subject Leader – Books & Bindings to provide academic and operational leadership for our specialist Books programmes.


The role


Working closely with the Head of School and fellow Subject Leaders, you will play a key role in the day-to-day organisation, delivery and continued development of the curriculum. You will contribute to teaching, assessment, curriculum planning and programme development, helping to ensure an engaging and high-quality learning experience for our students.

You will provide academic guidance and tutorial support, coordinate visiting lecturers and specialist contributors, and build strong professional relationships both within the College and across the wider Books & Bindings sector.

The role will also involve contributing to student recruitment activities, quality assurance, external engagement, Health & Safety, resource planning and the organisation of relevant study visits.


About you


You will have a BA or equivalent Level 6 qualification, or equivalent professional experience, together with demonstrable professional practice in Books & Bindings.

You will bring experience of teaching, assessment and administration within Further or Higher Education and have a strong understanding of practical and creative bookbinding, including the relevant history and theory.

You will also have excellent organisational and administrative skills, strong communication and relationship-building skills, confidence using IT and Microsoft Office, and an understanding of workshop and Health & Safety best practice. You will be able to manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, contribute positively to a team and build strong relationships with students, colleagues and external contacts.

Experience in quality assurance, Virtual Learning Environments and blended or hybrid delivery would be desirable.


Why join West Dean?


This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a specialist subject area within one of the UK's most distinctive creative and cultural education environments.

You will join a community that values creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability and inclusivity, while helping to support and inspire the next generation of practitioners.


How to apply


If you are passionate about Books & Bindings and would like to play a leading role in delivering an exceptional student experience, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply via our careers site or contact the recruitment team for further information.


Deadline for applications: 28 August 2026

The vacancy may close earlier if sufficient applications are received, so early applications are encouraged.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 3 September 2026.