Centre Manager

S Knights Recruitment; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

S Knights Recruitment, on behalf of our client, is seeking an experienced Centre Manager, Education Manager or Study Programme Manager with a strong SEND/background in Further Education to lead a Study Programme centre in Suffolk. You will oversee teaching, learning, assessment and learner support to ensure high-quality provision.

You will lead a diverse team, drive curriculum quality, manage contracts and funding, and ensure safeguarding, Ofsted readiness and inclusive practice across the

Qualifications

• Experience in Centre Management, Education Management or SEND provision.
• Proven leadership of teams within education/training environments.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive education.
• Teaching/educational management qualification or equivalent experience.
• Minimum Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths.
• Understanding of Ofsted requirements and quality assurance.
• Ability to monitor learner data and inform decisions.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills; DBS clearance may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the Study Programme centre, including SEND provision.
• Manage and develop staff, including performance management and recruitment.
• Collaborate with the Head of Education on contract and funding performance.
• Ensure curriculum management meets learner needs and regulatory expectations.
• Drive quality assurance, observations, SAR and QIP activities.
• Monitor learner and centre performance data to identify improvements.
• Oversee centre operations with emphasis on safeguarding and inclusion.
• Provide CIAG/IAG to support progression into further education or employment.

Skills

Centre management

Education management

SEND knowledge

Leadership

Ofsted awareness

Data-driven decisions

Communication

DBS clearance

Education

Educational management qualification

Teaching qualification

Equivalent experience

Job description

Centre Manager - Study Programme & SEND

Location: Suffolk

Salary: £37,000 - £38,000

Contract: Full-time

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced Centre Manager, Education Manager or Study Programme Manager with a strong background in SEND, Further Education or supported learning?

This is an opportunity to take operational and educational leadership of a Study Programme centre, ensuring learners receive high-quality teaching, learning, assessment, support and progression opportunities.

You'll lead a diverse team, oversee curriculum delivery and quality, support contract performance and ensure the centre operates in line with Ofsted, funding, safeguarding and SEND requirements.

About the Organisation

Our client delivers education and training programmes designed to support learners into further education, employment and positive future destinations.

The organisation places a strong emphasis on inclusive education, learner success, quality improvement and developing confident, capable teams.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in creating a positive centre culture where staff are supported to develop and learners receive the guidance, education and support they need to progress.

The Role

• Lead the effective day-to-day management of the Study Programme centre, including SEND provision, ensuring high standards across teaching, learning, assessment and learner support.
• Lead, manage and develop Study Programme staff, including performance management, CPD, recruitment, absence management and employee relations.
• Work with the Head of Education on contract and funding performance, including ESFA requirements, learner KPIs and evidence for Element 3 SEND funding.
• Take responsibility for curriculum management, ensuring an inclusive, high-quality Study Programme meets learner needs and relevant Ofsted and awarding body expectations.
• Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement, including observations, feedback, action planning, SAR and QIP activity.
• Monitor learner and centre performance data, using outcomes across attendance, retention, progress, achievement, work experience and destinations to identify improvement opportunities.
• Oversee centre operations, ensuring effective administration alongside strong Health & Safety, safeguarding, Prevent and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion practices.
• Ensure learners receive effective CIAG and IAG, supporting progression into further education, employment and positive destinations.
• Build effective relationships with partners, clients and stakeholders, representing the centre at meetings, networking events and Senior Management Team discussions.
• Create an open, empowered and high-performing centre culture where staff share knowledge, develop professionally and remain focused on learner success.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experience in Centre Management, Education Management, Study Programme Management or SEND provision.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams within an education, training, FE or supported learning environment.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, inclusive education and supporting diverse learner needs.
• Relevant teaching, educational management qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum Level 2 Functional Skills or equivalent in English and maths.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted, quality assurance, curriculum development and continuous improvement.
• Experience using learner and performance data to monitor outcomes and inform decision-making.
• Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with partners, clients and stakeholders.
• Enhanced DBS clearance is required.

Why Apply?

• Lead a Study Programme centre with a strong focus on SEND and inclusive education.
• Take ownership across people management, curriculum, quality, learner outcomes and centre operations.
• Opportunity to contribute directly to quality improvement, curriculum development and learner progression.
• Work within an environment that promotes professional development, learning and knowledge sharing.
• Make a meaningful impact on learners' education, development and future destinations.