In 1993, colleges in Scotland became independent corporate bodies, funded directly by central government. This article is a review of the evolution of college management practice within the context of the political reform of the public services and recent educational policy developments in Scotland. It is an analysis of a complex and continuous process of structural and political change that has revolutionised the role of college leaders. Public and political interest in moving towards "world class" institutions has created a context for a new discourse of professionalism in the leadership and management of colleges. In this article we present a new and more comprehensive definition of professionalism, which offers a sharp contrast with the older public service ethic and with the simple rhetoric of managerialism. It is proposed that professionalism in further education management should, in future, be defined in terms of four inter-related dimensions. It is further suggested that the concept of professionality should be embraced, emphasising the ability to create a value base and an institutional culture which locates management, not above and in isolation from other staff, but as part of a network of professional expertise that has, at its core, a focus upon the complexity of the needs, values and expectations of lifelong learners. (Contains 5 notes.)