Plans to merge Mancat and City College to create one of the largest teaching institutions in Europe were approved by the government earlier this month.
Education bosses want the merger because they say the colleges are competing for many of the same students - leaving some parts of the city poorly served.
The scheme will include £58m of new buildings in Wythenshawe, Harpurhey and other areas. Talks are underway to establish the new, institution, to be called Manchester College, in time for August.
The M.E.N. has learnt that head of Mancat Peter Tavernor (pictured) and Monica Box, the head of City College, have put their hats in the ring for the top job.
Mr Tavernor has been in charge of Mancat since 1997. The ex-teacher is well known in education circles and is credited with improving standards at the college, rated `outstanding' by inspectors last year.
Ms Box was appointed last summer after long-standing principal Willie Mills took a post in Preston. She was previously head of Calderdale College, in Yorkshire, where she helped bring in degree qualifications.
Appointment
Neither candidate wished to comment ahead of an appointment being made. It is unclear whether there will be a position for the losing candidate.
While the merger will result in some departments being reorganised, the Learning and Skills Council, the body in charge of colleges in England, played down the possibility of job cuts.
Elaine Bowker, the LSC's area director for Greater Manchester, said the change would `improve conditions' for learners. She said: "Although the two colleges are doing a good job, they have effectively been competing for students and it has been clear that some areas have not been as well served as they could be."
Unions hope job cuts can be avoided. Colin Gledhill, of the University and Colleges' Union, said: "Given that the long-term aim is to do away with gaps in the service we will be making the case that the new college needs all the staff it can get."
National adverts seeking applicants for the top post will be published in the coming weeks.
Eight college governors have already been appointed. Their first meeting takes place early next month and they are expected to choose the new principal by March. The new head is likely to have a six-figure salary.
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