Executive Director

South West Durham Training (SWDT) has spent almost 60 years developing the engineers, technicians and industry leaders who have shaped businesses across the UK and beyond.

Job Reference:: RS26/27/31
Closing Date:: 03 August 2026
Pay:: harmonised pay scale 50-52 (£58,286.15 - £61,808.36 per annum)
Hours:: 37 hours per week
Duration:: Permanent

As part of Bishop Auckland College Group, SWDT is entering an exciting new chapter, building on a strong reputation to expand its influence, strengthen employer partnerships and respond to the growing demand for world-class technical education. We are now seeking an exceptional Executive Director to lead that next phase.

This is far more than an operational leadership role. We are looking for a strategic and commercially minded leader who can inspire high-performing teams, build influential relationships with employers and stakeholders, and position SWDT at the forefront of engineering and advanced manufacturing skills. Working closely with the Principal & CEO, you will shape the Centre’s future direction, identify new opportunities for growth and ensure our curriculum continues to anticipate the needs of a rapidly evolving sector.

If you have credibility within engineering or advanced manufacturing, a track record of delivering organisational growth and the ambition to lead one of the region’s longest established training providers into its seventh decade, we’d love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to make a lasting impact, not only on an industry focussed organisation, but on the future workforce and economic prosperity of our region.

Candidates wishing to explore the opportunity further are encouraged to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with Shaun Hope, Principal/Chief Executive Officer.Please contact Natasha Brown, PA to the Principal at natasha.brown@bacoll.ac.uk, to arrange a telephone appointment during week commencing 20 July 2026.

For the recruitment pack, please click here.

If you would prefer to apply online, please click here.

To apply for this post please complete the application form:

Bishop Auckland College is an equality and diversity employer. We are committed to recruiting a more diverse workforce that reflects the people we serve.

College policy: Privacy Notice and Safer Recruiting policy, Policy on the recruitment of Ex-Offenders and DBS Code of Practice.

Completed applications should be emailed back to: katie.davies@bacoll.ac.uk or posted to

HR Department
Bishop Auckland College
Bishop Auckland Campus
Woodhouse Lane
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 6JZ

For more information or if you have a disability and need help completing the application please email: katie.davies@bacoll.ac.uk or contact our 24 hour answering service on 01388 443108.

Bishop Auckland College is committed to the safeguarding and the welfare of all learners and any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS disclosure. All teaching staff will be required to register with the Institute for Learning.

S W DURHAM TRAINING LIMITED

1 role available