Careers Consultant

University of Reading - Careers team

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 26th April 2026

Full Time, Permanent Contract

Interview - 11th May 2026

If the successful candidate already holds a Skilled Worker Visa sponsored by another organisation and it was issued before the 4th April 2024, by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Are you passionate about helping students achieve career success? Are you looking for a job where not two days are the same? The University of Reading is seeking a Careers Consultant to join our award-winning Careers team. If you are an experienced careers adviser in higher education, or perhaps an HR professional, or line manager, with significant experience in the recruiting early careers talent, you could be an ideal fit for this role!

About the Role:

As a Careers Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the future career prospects of our students, working closely with academics in allocated departments to embed employability learning and development into teaching. To succeed in this role you will need to be adaptable; programme structures, department cultures and student expectations differ requiring you to use a variety of technology-enabled, blended learning approaches to improve the career readiness of our students and graduate outcomes of the University.

Key Responsibilities:

• Consultancy and Analysis: Provide expert labour market analysis and advice to enhance student employability.
• Collaboration and Engagement: Work closely with academic departments and the wider Careers team to embed employability within the curriculum.
• Student Support: Manage a student caseload, design and deliver career learning sessions, and provide 1:1 career coaching.
• Project Management: Lead key projects within the Careers Consultancy Team, setting objectives and overseeing implementation.
• Professional Development: Stay updated with labour market trends and recruitment practices and engage in continuous professional development.

What We’re Looking For:

• A degree or equivalent. An arts or humanities degree would be welcome
• A relevant professional qualification in careers, coaching or similar (or working towards).
• Experience of collaborating with and influencing a broad range of stakeholders at all levels of an organisation.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to compile, analyse and present data in a compelling way.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Experience in project management and the ability to manage conflicting priorities.
• Experience delivering seminars or other presentations to large and small groups.
• Knowledge of UK graduate recruitment and national labour market developments.

What’s in it for you?

• Make a real difference in the lives of students by enhancing their career prospects and employability.
• Benefit from continuous professional development opportunities and stay at the forefront of careers consultancy.
• Applications for part-time and flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with business needs.

Student Services currently offer smart working arrangements whereby, (following a 6-week induction period), staff may have the opportunity to work from home up to 40% of their working week, whilst remaining flexible around key event dates and the requirements of the role.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: Nicky Norminton

Contact Job Title: Head of Career Consultancy

Contact Email address: n.norminton@reading.ac.uk