Operations and Quality Manager

Job Opportunity: Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager

Location: South of England | Salary: Up to £55,000 (negotiable based on experience)
Are you passionate about ensuring excellence in Quality Assurance and Compliance within Apprenticeship Training and Higher Education? An Independent Training Provider, rated "Good" by Ofsted, is expanding its services to establish itself as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) and Awarding Body.
This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team and play a leading role in managing and maintaining compliance, regulatory approvals, and quality assurance and assessment frameworks for Apprenticeship and Higher Education qualifications, including HNDs and degree-level programmes.
With a dedicated team of 50 staff and over 1,000 learners, the organisation is committed to excellence, supported by its Ofsted "Good" rating achieved in March 2022.

Working Arrangements and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive, up to £55,000 (negotiable based on experience).
• Working Environment: Hybrid role, with office-based work required during the first 3-6 months of setup.
• Flexibility: Open to part-time candidates (2-3 days per week).
• Professional Growth: Opportunity to shape and develop the Quality Assurance and Compliance function, with autonomy and support.

The Role
As the Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager, you will be at the forefront of ensuring the organisation's qualifications meet and exceed regulatory standards. Your primary responsibilities include:

• Leading the development and implementation of robust Quality Assurance frameworks to maintain compliance with Ofqual, IFATE, ESFA, and other regulatory bodies.
• Overseeing the internal and external quality assurance processes to ensure consistent and high-quality learner outcomes.
• Managing compliance activities to secure and maintain recognition as an Awarding Body and EPAO.
• Supporting the design, development, and approval of qualifications, particularly Construction-focused Apprenticeships and Higher Education programmes at Levels 4–6.
• Collaborating with universities, training providers, and colleges to launch new qualifications and ensure regulatory alignment.
• Leading audits, reviews, and inspections, preparing comprehensive reports to demonstrate compliance with all relevant standards.
• Representing the organisation as an ambassador, fostering positive relationships with regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.
• Managing and mentoring a small team, with potential for growth into a broader leadership role.

Candidate Specification
We are looking for an experienced and proactive professional with the following qualifications, skills, and attributes:
Key Experience:

• Proven track record in managing Quality Assurance and Compliance processes within the Apprenticeship sector, knowledge and experience of Awarding Body, EPAO, or Higher Education institution is highly desirable
• Comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks, including Ofqual, IFATE, ESFA, and Ofsted requirements.
• Practical experience in developing and implementing Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) systems, holding a recognised Level 4 IQA award as a minimum.
• Familiarity with apprenticeship standards, end-point assessments, and Higher Education qualifications up to degree level.
• Previous experience in preparing for audits, inspections, and maintaining regulatory approvals.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, capable of building and maintaining partnerships.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Leadership experience with a collaborative and mentoring mindset.

This role offers the chance to make a significant impact on the quality and compliance processes of a growing organisation, ensuring that learners achieve the highest standards.
For more information please contact Simon Atkins at Pertemps on 07894 752230