Training Centre Manager

• Centre Leadership: Drive the overall strategy and daily operations of the centre, ensuring delivery is high-quality, compliant, and aligned with funding contracts and organisational goals.
• Performance Management: Use management information systems to track learner outcomes, staff performance, and operational KPIs — taking timely action where needed.
• Curriculum Design: Lead on developing and implementing a responsive, employer-informed curriculum that addresses both learner needs and labour market demands.
• Team Development: Inspire, lead, and support a diverse team of tutors, trainers, and support staff — ensuring they have the tools, training, and encouragement needed to excel.
• Learner Journey: Oversee the full learner experience, from recruitment through to progression, ensuring attendance, behaviour, safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritised at every stage.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with employers, local authorities, and community organisations to enhance programme design, create progression pathways, and uncover growth opportunities.
• Financial Oversight: Take accountability for the centre’s budget (including income targets of approx. £600K), ensuring robust financial planning and contract compliance.

We’re searching for a confident and forward-thinking education professional who has a track record of leadership in a post-16 or employability training setting. You’ll be just as comfortable setting strategic goals as you are rolling up your sleeves to support your team on the ground. You’re someone who knows how to balance operational demands with a passion for learner success.

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified and experienced teacher with a PGCE or equivalent.
• Proven experience managing post-16 education delivery (e.g., study programmes, adult education, apprenticeships, employability programmes).
• Strong working knowledge of ESFA funding rules, audit and quality assurance frameworks.
• Skilled in curriculum development and learner journey design.
• Able to lead teams with empathy, accountability, and vision.
• Demonstrable success in working with external partners to support progression, enrichment, or employability.
• Excellent communication, project management, and organisational skills.

Desirable Attributes:

• Knowledge of the Rochdale or Greater Manchester education/employability landscape.
• Experience of managing both funded and commercial training programmes.
• Confidence in managing budgets, forecasting, and maximising contract performance.

Why Join?

This organisation is part of a larger social enterprise group committed to growth, innovation, and learner impact. They are forward-thinking in their approach to delivery, inclusive in their culture, and passionate about creating opportunities for learners from all walks of life.

As a people-first employer, they’re committed to:

- Flexible and agile working arrangements (where possible).

- Comprehensive safeguarding procedures and support structures.

- Removing barriers to employment — supporting Ban the Box and inclusive recruitment practices.

- Offering guaranteed interviews to applicants from diverse ethnic backgrounds or with a disability who meet essential criteria.

They also provide:

- A supportive team culture where your voice and ideas will be heard.

- Ongoing CPD and leadership development opportunities.

- An open-door approach to wellbeing and staff support.

Safeguarding Statement

This role is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and professional social media checks. It is a criminal offence to apply for a regulated activity role if you are barred from engaging in such activity.