Department: Skills Management Location: Hanley Compensation: £50,000 - £60,000 / year Description Closing date for applications: 12pm Wednesday 11th September Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 17th September We reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time if we receive suitable applications for the role. The Operations Director - Skills is a strategic leadership role responsible for the overall leadership, management, development, and delivery of consistently high-quality skills training programmes. This role is essential in driving the success of the business by ensuring that the skills curriculum offer is relevant, effective, and aligned with industry needs. The Operations Director - Skills will lead a team of Assistant Directors and Heads of Department, ensuring that the business meets its objectives in terms of learner achievement, employer satisfaction, and overall business growth. Key Responsibilities And Key Performance Indicators Develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive skills development strategy that aligns with the business goals and the needs of the stakeholders and communities we serve. Collaborate with Executive Management Team (EMT) members to identify new opportunities for growth and innovation in skills development. Lead the continuous improvement of skills training programmes to ensure they meet the latest industry standards and learner/employer needs. Lead on the design, development, and delivery of training programmes across multiple contracts. Lead on the monitoring of the quality and effectiveness of training programmes through ensuring regular evaluations and feedback from learners and employers is undertaken. Lead, coach, and develop a team of Assistant Directors and Heads of Department, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including employers, industry bodies, commissioners and regulatory agencies. Represent the business at industry events, conferences, and meetings, advocating for the importance of skills training and development. Develop and manage the directorate's annual budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to meet strategic objectives. Regularly track and analyse revenue streams, comparing actual performance against financial targets and forecasts, and provide detailed reports to senior management. Identify and secure funding opportunities to support programme development and continued growth of the skills provision. Lead on the implementation and maintaining of robust quality assurance and improvement processes to ensure the highest standards of training delivery. Regularly review and update policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and lead on the preparation of monthly reports for the Managing Director, Operations Director, Executive Management Team, commissioners and regulatory bodies. Analyse data to identify trends, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement across all skills services and provision. Undertake the role of the Nominee for Ofsted Inspection and other regulatory body audits. Key Performance Indicators Percentage of learners successfully completing training programmes. Level of satisfaction reported by learners and employers with the training provided. Year-on-year increase in programme enrolments leading to growth of skills provision. Quality and standard of provision (internal and external measures) Department budget adherence and growth in funding secured. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Qualifications and specific training Bachelor's degree in education, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field. (essential) Minimum Level 5 leadership and management qualification (essential) Minimum Level 5 Education and Training qualification (essential) Minimum of GCSE Grade C/4 in English and maths (essential) Driving licence and car available for use. (essential) Master's degree in education, Leadership, or a related field. (desirable) Professional qualifications in training, education, or project management. (desirable) Experience Extensive experience in skills development, vocational training, or adult education. (essential) Proven track record in leading and managing large-scale training programmes. (essential) Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans. (essential) Strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets and securing funding. (essential) Experience in business development and the creation of new training programmes. (desirable) Knowledge Strong understanding of the current skills landscape, including key industry trends and workforce needs. (essential) Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation requirements in the adult education and training sector. (essential) Familiarity with digital learning platforms and online training delivery. (essential) Skills Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others. (essential) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. (essential) Strategic thinker with a vision for the future of skills development. (essential) Results-driven with a strong focus on achieving targets and KPIs. (essential) High level of integrity and professionalism. (essential) Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. (essential) Innovative mindset with a willingness to explore new approaches and technologies in training. (desirable) Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. (desirable) We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, reasonable adjustments can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs. Please get in contact with recruitment@acorntraining.co.uk to discuss alternative options you may require, or alternative application methods
