Location:
Aycliffe Business Park

Reporting to:
Operations Director

NC Group Focus:
People Leadership, Strategic Delivery & Quality Excellence

The Opportunity

NC Group is seeking a principled, proactive leader to head our Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning provision. As the Operations Manager, you will be the driving force behind the effective planning, delivery, and review of our apprenticeship programmes.

This is a
people-centric leadership role
. You won't just manage "functions"; you will lead a multi-disciplinary team of tutors, assessors, and support staff, ensuring they are motivated, qualified, and empowered to deliver world-class training that meets the evolving needs of our learners and employers.

Key Leadership & People Responsibilities

·
Team Development & Line Management:
Direct responsibility for the recruitment, induction, and performance management of the WBL team. You will lead annual Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and Performance & Development Reviews (PDRs) to ensure continuous staff growth.

·
Resource & Workload Management:
Effectively deploy staff, managing schedules, timetables, and caseload reviews to ensure optimal delivery and staff well-being.

·
Principled Leadership:
Act as a collaborative leader, using fairness and integrity to resolve conflicts and engage staff of all ages and backgrounds.

·
Safeguarding & Culture:
Drive a culture of safety and inclusion, ensuring full compliance with Safeguarding, Prevent, and Equality & Diversity (E&D) policies across all learning environments.

Specific Operational & Quality Oversight

·
Curriculum & Programme Design:
Lead the design and planning of new apprenticeship standards, ensuring schemes of learning and session plans cover the essential Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs).

·
Quality Assurance (IQA/Ofsted):
Oversee the departmental Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). You will coordinate robust internal verification/moderation and lead the quality assurance of teaching in line with the Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

·
Employer & Learner Engagement:
Build high-quality, bespoke solutions for employers. Monitor apprentice progress through to End-Point Assessment (EPA), using learner focus groups and feedback to drive excellence.

·
Compliance & Data:
Ensure the accuracy of the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) and provide weekly performance reports against KPIs to the management team and Corporate Board.

Candidate RequirementsEssential Qualifications

·
Core:
Level 2 in English and Mathematics.

·
Management:
Level 3 Management qualification (Level 5 preferred).

·
Vocational/Assessing:
Level 3 TAQA (or achieved within 6 months) and Level 4 IQA (or achieved within 12 months).

·
Education:
Certificate of Education and HNC/Level 4 (or above) in a relevant field.

·
Legal:
Full UK Driving License and trained in Safeguarding, Prevent, and Health & Safety.

Experience & Knowledge

· Proven experience managing and motivating a team within a vocational or education-based environment.

· Leading and coordinating Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and audit processes.

· Awareness of Apprenticeship Standards, ESFA funding streams, and Ofsted best practices.

· Experience in bespoke customer-focused solutions and stakeholder relationship management.

· Strong competency in IT systems and data management for education.

Personal Qualities

· A proactive self-starter who takes full ownership of workflows.

· A principled leader committed to the growth of individuals within their team.

· Flexible and responsive, with a "Client Focus" that prioritises the apprentice experience.

Primary Responsibilities (NC Group Standard)

As a member of the NC Group, you will be expected to:

1.
Strategize:
Contribute to the Group Development Plan.

2.
Ensure Quality:
Own the quality system within your remit to exceed client expectations.

3.
Risk & Safety:
Identify and control risks, ensuring a safe working and learning environment.

4.
Represent:
Market the NC Group professionally at every opportunity.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role please contact Julie Knight, HR Business Partner via email to with an up-to-date CV.

NC Group Ltd

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Apprenticeship & WBL Manager