Learning Area Leader (POR2) - Design Technologies

Are you passionate about design, innovation and Industry 4.0, and excited by the opportunity to inspire the next generation of creators, problem-solvers and future-ready learners?
Mercedes College is seeking an outstanding Learning Area Leader – Design Technologies (POR2) educator to join our highly regarded Design and Technologies program.
Applications are welcomed from experienced teachers, current and aspiring leaders, with the opportunity for Learning Area Leadership responsibilities for the right candidate.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an established and successful program that encourages students to think creatively, solve complex problems and engage with emerging technologies. Design and Technologies at Mercedes College is a broad and interdisciplinary learning area that draws on the Australian Curriculum, International Baccalaureate and SACE frameworks, developing students' capacity to inquire, design, create, test and evaluate solutions to authentic real-world challenges.
Working across Design, Digital Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing, you will help shape authentic learning experiences that connect classroom learning with contemporary industry practice and future workforce pathways.

Full-time teaching opportunity
Leadership potential (Learning Area Leader | POR2 | Tenured)
Join a highly regarded Design and Technologies program
Teach across Design, Digital Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing

About Us
Mercedes College is a Catholic co-educational Reception to Year 12 International Baccalaureate World School in the Mercy tradition, located in Springfield, South Australia.
Driven by our vision to be a sustainable, internationally minded, world class school, we develop creative and critical thinkers who become leaders, for life.
Our community is defined by a sense of belonging, high expectations and genuine relationships, and we live our Mercy Values of Compassion, Loyalty, Justice, Integrity, Responsibility and Mutual Respect in the way we work and interact with students, families and each other.
About the Role
Working within a dynamic and future-focused learning area, you will design and deliver engaging learning experiences that develop students' creativity, technical capability, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Drawing on Industry 4.0 concepts, including Advanced Manufacturing, automation, coding, robotics, digital systems and emerging technologies, you will help students understand how innovation shapes the world around them and prepare them to thrive in an evolving technological landscape.
Teaching and learning within Design and Technologies emphasises creativity, design thinking, collaboration, sustainability and ethical decision-making. Students are encouraged to investigate needs and opportunities, develop and prototype ideas, manage projects and evaluate the impact of their solutions on individuals, communities and the environment.
For the right candidate, there is an opportunity to provide leadership within the learning area, contributing to strategic direction, curriculum development and a culture of innovation and excellence. As Learning Area Leader, the successful applicant will support the ongoing development and implementation of Design Technologies across the International Baccalaureate Frameworks, Australian Curriculum and South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), while fostering meaningful connections between Design Technologies, Art and Design, STEM and other interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
About You
You are a passionate, innovative and engaging educator who:

Demonstrates expertise in Design, Technologies and/or Digital Technologies.
Has experience teaching, or the capacity to teach, Design Technologies.
Understands Industry 4.0 concepts and their application within contemporary learning environments.
Brings relevant industry knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom.
Creates authentic and engaging learning experiences that foster creativity, innovation and problem-solving.
Builds positive and productive relationships with students, families and colleagues.
Works collaboratively and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement.
Supports and upholds the Catholic ethos and Mercy tradition of the College.

Highly Desirable

Experience in Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Technologies and Industry 4.0 practices.
Relevant industry experience in manufacturing, engineering, digital technologies, product design or related fields.
Experience developing industry partnerships and authentic learning opportunities.
Experience within the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP).
Previous leadership experience or leadership aspirations.

Qualifications and Training
The successful applicant will be required to hold:

An approved teaching qualification.
Current Teacher Registration with the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia.
Working with Children Check (WWCC).
RRHAN-EC training (Fundamentals and Masterclass), plus refreshers as required.
First Aid Certificate HLTAID012.

For further information about the responsibilities, requirements and selection criteria of this role, please refer to the Position Information Documents – Teacher and Learning Area Leader.
How to Apply
If you're excited by the opportunity to shape the future of Design Technologies education within a high-performing and innovative learning community, we would love to hear from you.
To submit your application, click ‘Apply' by 9:00am, Monday 12th October 2026.
Your application should include:

A cover letter (maximum one page) addressed to Mr. Andrew Balkwill, Principal, outlining your experience, suitability for the role and motivation for joining Mercedes College.
A curriculum vitae (maximum two pages) detailing your qualifications, experience and three professional referees.

For confidential enquiries regarding this role, please contact Luisa Dickson, Executive Director, People and Culture on 0413 730 794 or email [email protected]
🛑 Appointment is subject to Working with Children and Catholic screening clearances. Mercedes College reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.