Head of IT, Data & Compliance

Head of IT, Data & Compliance – up to £50k per annum depending on experience

We are Mantra Learning. The UK’s leading Logistics learning and development organisation. Together with our subsidiary, The National Logistics Academy, we provide support and development to help people and change lives. We work with some of the biggest businesses in the country, including Aldi, Travis Perkins, Dixons Carphone Warehouse, AO and Wincanton (UK’s 3rd largest Logistics Company).

Our organisation works with over 600 Apprentices, supports over 3500 people get back to work and improve their life chances and mental health, and trains over 1000 people to become HGV drivers each year.

We have an exciting opportunity for a new Head of IT, Data & Compliance to join our team. This position is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours a week based in Middleton, Greater Manchester.

The Role

The purpose of the role is to define and drive the operational output of a focused and forward-looking IT, Data & Compliance Team, comprising of service desk, funding, subcontracting, exams, curriculum support, MI reporting and audit functions. The post holder will ensure that the department is able to recognise, anticipate and meet internal and external obligations and deadlines, strongly managing department priorities, monitoring ongoing tasks, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional service to the business and group. The post holder must have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of government funded programmes e.g. Apprenticeships, Adult Education Budget, Skills Bootcamps and Traineeships.

The IT, Data & Administration Team provides the business with reliable data, systems, and services to support accountable and informed decision making, and provides stakeholders with accurate information, statistical analysis, and management reporting. As a learner-focused central services department, facilitating programmes of study and examinations for learners, the IT, Data & Administration Team proactively supports positive outcomes for learners.

The Head of IT, Data & Compliance will be accountable for the operational direction and oversight of the IT, Data & Administration Team and its functions. You will provide an integrated service to support the business in accordance with its Vision and Mission.

Your duties will include but will not be limited to:

• Inaugurate and develop strategic and operational plans for the team to secure the future of the business and drive improvement in line with its strategic aims.
• Lead, manage and direct the team to make best use of all business software applications and technology.
• Develop and manage the analysis of learner performance, course-related and funding data to support the management of learner information to provide the business with intelligent data that supports decision making.
• Lead on cybersecurity
• Work closely with third parties, contractors and internal stakeholders on the strategic development of the IT, Data & Compliance function
• Provide department and management support for all internal and external audits, ensuring prompt provision of information and response to queries or audit findings, based on well-maintained, high-quality data.
• Use demonstrable experience and understanding of core education-focused systems e.g. Maytas, to identify and lead on opportunities and requirements for system refinement and development.
• Lead and direct the Funding & Subcontracting activity, ensuring timely and accurate funding returns are made to all stakeholders in accordance with Funding Regulations
• Provide funding and data rules knowledge and support, keeping up to date with Government initiatives and ensuring the business is fully compliant.
• Provide department and management support for all internal and external audits, ensuring prompt provision of information and response to queries or audit findings, based on well-maintained, high-quality data.
• Provide leadership, direction, and motivation, ensuring all staff carry out their work in an efficient and effective manner and develop a culture of continuous improvement.
• Establish excellent working relationships with Governors and SMT colleagues and provide regular reports, advice, analysis, interpretation, and recommendations.
• Represent the organisation at external meetings and stakeholder events, and act as a positive ambassador for the business and group.
• Set a clear vision for each area of responsibility and inspire managers and staff to deliver it.
• Build high performing teams which demonstrate accountability and clarity of objectives and which utilise and develop the skills, knowledge, and competencies of staff members.

Essential Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge

• In depth knowledge and understanding of ESFA funding rules and methodologies
• In depth knowledge and understanding of IT systems and processes
• Understanding and experience of funding audit requirements and processes
• Significant experience of senior leadership
• Experience of working with a board of governors
• Experience of successfully developing and delivering an organisational strategy
• Experience of effective and significant line management including dealing with challenging people situations
• Experience of leading transformational change to deliver successful outcomes
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate strategy into an inspirational vision and operational delivery plan
• Understanding and experience of awarding organisations processes and requirements
• Excellent computer literacy skills
• Experience in creating MI dashboards
• Proven ability to mentor & coach – a developer of high performing teams
• Innovative and creative
• Strong analytical and report writing skills

The package

• Up to £40k per annum depending on experience
• 22 days per annum plus 8 bank holidays
• Free parking
• Eyecare vouchers
• Auto enrolment to company pension scheme
• Discretionary profit related bonus scheme
• Subsidised team social events

Mantra Learning Ltd is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications regardless of race, religion or belief, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all leaners and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate checks as well as providing proof of your right to work in the UK.

If this is the role you’re looking for please apply today!