Apprenticeship Operations Manager

Spencer Academies Trust; Broxtowe; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent education trust in the United Kingdom is seeking an Apprenticeship Operations Manager to lead and develop their apprenticeship programme. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with Ofsted and DfE standards while driving quality improvement and building relationships with employers. Looking for a dynamic individual with a background in education or apprenticeships. This role combines strategic leadership with operational responsibilities to enhance apprenticeship opportunities and learner outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in education or apprenticeship sectors.
• Understanding of quality assurance processes and Ofsted standards.
• Desirable experience in staff development and apprenticeship provider status.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational development of apprenticeship provision.
• Drive continuous improvement to secure strong learner outcomes.
• Support compliance and audit readiness, including ILR management.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders and employers.
• Strengthen employer engagement to expand apprenticeship opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance management

Employer engagement

Data assurance

Communication

Job description

The Apprenticeship Operations Manager will develop, implement and oversee our apprenticeship programme, leading on plans to ensure compliance with Ofsted's framework and be DfE audit ready. The apprenticeships will be for both our own schools as a MAT but also the wider education sector, so employer engagement within and beyond our own organisation will be pivotal. You will work closely with the Director of Apprenticeships and CEO of Spencer Academies Trust to ensure successful delivery of apprenticeships in order to maximise the achievement of outcomes and deliver the performance expectations of employers. We are looking for a dynamic, inspirational individual who is forward thinking and committed to developing the service. The postholder will:

• Lead the strategic and operational development of a high-quality apprenticeship provision.
• Drive continuous improvement to secure strong learner outcomes, regulatory compliance and employer satisfaction.
• Support compliance and audit readiness, including ILR management and data assurance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external employers.
• Strengthen employer engagement to expand apprenticeship opportunities within and beyond the Trust.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational responsibility, ensuring that the apprenticeship offer grows sustainably while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

Do you enjoy working in a varied and challenging environment with a team of supportive colleagues? We welcome applications from colleagues with experience from either the education or apprenticeship spaces, which should include an understanding of the delivery of high‑quality evidence‑informed staff development; quality assurance processes and a working knowledge of Ofsted. Experience of working in a similar role in an organisation with staff development, teacher training, and/or apprenticeship provider status is desirable. Additional experience from apprenticeships would be beneficial but not essential, such as a working knowledge of ESFA/DfE requirements; functional skills; End Point Assessment; and a good understanding of the Individual Learning Records System.

Find out more about our team and our shared goals.