Careers Lead - Aston and Vine House Campuses

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.

That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW - and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join .

Job Title: Careers Lead

Location: Syon Manor College (across two campuses)

• Aston House, Uxbridge UB8 1SZ
• Vine House, Uxbridge UB8 3HD

Salary: £28,000 - £33,000 per annum, depending on experience ( not pro rata )
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Additional Requirement: Candidates must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
Please note: This role will be based across both Aston House and Vine House campuses.

Join Our Team as a Careers Lead at Syon Manor College!

As we continue to grow, we're thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity to join our close-knit, passionate team at Syon Manor College School, part of Options Autism.

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Careers Lead to shape, coordinate and deliver a high-quality careers and employability programme across our two Hillingdon campuses. This is a key strategic role supporting students aged 16-25 to build their employability skills, develop independence and progress towards their Preparation for Adulthood goals.

You will lead the design of a vibrant, engaging and inclusive careers curriculum, forge strong partnerships with employers and community organisations, and ensure meaningful work-related learning experiences are embedded across teaching pathways. Your work will directly influence students' future opportunities, confidence and readiness for adulthood.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive careers and work-related learning programme across both campuses
• Coordinate a wide range of internal and external work experience opportunities, ensuring high-quality, safe and enriching placements
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with employers, voluntary organisations and training providers
• Work collaboratively with teaching and support staff to embed employability and careers learning into the curriculum
• Personalise careers and learning pathways to meet each student's aspirations, needs and abilities
• Embed Preparation for Adulthood outcomes-employment, independent living, health and community participation-through all careers provision
• Oversee risk assessments, placement monitoring and ongoing quality assurance
• Work with the Accreditation Lead to ensure suitable accredited programmes and qualifications are available to learners
• Represent the college professionally when engaging with external stakeholders and organisations
• Drive continuous improvement, ensuring the careers offer remains inclusive, meaningful and future-focused

Line Management & Collaboration

• Line managed by the Senior Careers Lead (Isleworth campus)
• Liaise with external professionals, visiting speakers and enrichment providers to broaden and enhance the student experience

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on young people's futures by leading an ambitious and inspiring careers programme.

About Us

Syon Manor College is a new post-16 provision for young people with autism and complex needs. The college will offer a broad curriculum of academic, vocational and life skills learning including BTECs, GCSEs, Functional Skills and ASDAN accreditations which will work towards Employability or Independence and Duke of Edinburgh qualifications.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales