Assistant Manager: Functional Skills

People Team; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

People Team is seeking an Assistant Manager to lead and develop high-quality education within a prison environment. You will support the Education Manager, drive curriculum delivery, and uphold standards that support rehabilitation and employability for learners.

You will oversee day-to-day operations, build partnerships, and manage staff across multiple curriculum areas, ensuring strong performance and adherence to quality frameworks.

Qualifications

• Teaching qualification (Level 5 or above).
• Maths and English Level 3.
• Internal Quality Assurance qualification (or willingness to achieve).
• Significant teaching experience.
• Experience managing staff, curriculum delivery, and performance improvement.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of OFSTED EIF framework.
• Commitment to reducing reoffending through education.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the education department.
• Own curriculum delivery, learner management, and performance.
• Act as deputy for the Education Manager when required.
• Oversee learner induction, allocation, and conduct.
• Build internal and external partnerships to support learner success.
• Work across curriculum areas (e.g. Motor Mechanics, Art, P&D, Music, Media, PSD).
• Drive improvements in recruitment, retention, achievement, and satisfaction.
• Set staff targets in line with KPIs and contractual requirements.
• Develop a standardised curriculum aligned to learner and employer needs.
• Ensure qualifications meet quality standards with awarding bodies.
• Lead quality assurance and continuous improvement in your curriculum area.
• Manage IQA/EQA processes, observations, learning walks, and deep dives.
• Contribute to SAR, QIP, and budget planning.
• Use MoJ MI data to review performance and drive improvements.
• Coach and support staff to improve teaching and learning.

Skills

Leadership

Teaching

Communication

Organisation

Education

Qualified teacher (Level 5 or above)

IQA qualification or willingness to achieve

Job description

Lead a team that transforms lives

We’re looking for a motivated and experienced Assistant Manager to support the delivery of high-quality education within a prison environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role where you will help drive performance, support your team, and ensure learners receive an outstanding education that supports rehabilitation and future employability.

Working as part of the senior management team, you’ll support the Education Manager and play a key role in shaping curriculum delivery, improving outcomes, and maintaining high standards across the provision.

What you’ll be doing

Leadership & Operational Management

• Support the Education Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations of the education department
• Lead on curriculum delivery, learner management, and departmental performance
• Deputise for the Education Manager when required
• Manage learner induction, allocation, and conduct within education settings
• Build strong internal and external partnerships to support learner success
• Working across various curriculum areas such as Motor Mechanics, Art, P&D, Music, Media, PSD etc

Curriculum & Performance

• Drive improvements in recruitment, retention, achievement, and satisfaction
• Set and monitor staff targets in line with KPIs and contractual requirements
• Support development of a standardised curriculum aligned to learner and employer needs
• Work with awarding bodies to ensure qualifications meet quality standards

Quality Assurance & Improvement

• Lead on quality assurance and continuous improvement within your curriculum area
• Manage IQA/EQA processes, observations, learning walks, and deep dives
• Contribute to the Self-Assessment Report (SAR), Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), and budget planning
• Use data (including MoJ MI systems) to review performance and drive improvements
• Coach and support staff to improve teaching and learning practice

People Management & Development

• Manage and support teaching and support staff through appraisal, probation, and CPD
• Mentor and induct new staff, promoting a positive and high-performing culture
• Coordinate CPD opportunities based on quality reviews and performance outcomes
• Support recruitment activity to ensure roles are filled efficiently

Compliance & Delivery

• Ensure all delivery meets Ofsted, MoJ, and organisational standards
• Promote safeguarding, equality, and inclusion
• Comply with all prison security requirements
• Deliver teaching sessions where required
• Support wider operational needs, including class cover

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Teaching qualification (Level 5 or above)
• Maths and English Level 3
• Internal Quality Assurance qualification (or willingness to achieve)
• Significant teaching experience
• Experience managing staff, curriculum delivery, and performance improvement
• Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• Knowledge of OFSTED EIF framework
• Commitment to reducing reoffending through education

Desirable

• Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager qualification
• Experience in prison or adult education settings

Why join us?

• Play a key leadership role in delivering education that supports rehabilitation and life change
• Develop your career within a supportive and ambitious management team
• Help shape high-quality provision that improves learner outcomes
• Access ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities

Our values

We’re looking for leaders who demonstrate:

• Customer First – improving lives through education
• True North – acting with integrity
• Own It – taking accountability
• Improve to be the best – striving for excellence
• Think big and take risks – driving innovation
• Deliver Results – achieving high standards every day