Centre Manager

S Knights Recruitment; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

S Knights Recruitment is assisting a Suffolk-based centre to appoint a Centre Manager for Study Programme & SEND. You will lead day-to-day centre operations, ensuring high standards in teaching, learning, assessment and learner support across SEND provision.

The role requires strong experience in education management, inclusive practice and Ofsted/ESFA awareness. You will oversee curriculum, quality assurance and staff development to drive learner progression and positive outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in Centre/Study Programme management or SEND.
• Proven leadership of teams in FE or supported learning.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive education.
• Level 2 English and Maths Functional Skills or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the Study Programme centre and SEND provision.
• Oversee staff performance, CPD, recruitment and employee relations.
• Work with Head of Education on contract and funding performance.
• Take responsibility for curriculum management to meet Ofsted and awarding body expectations.
• Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
• Monitor learner data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Oversee centre operations with safeguarding and health & safety compliance.
• Ensure CIAG/IAG supports progression into further education and employment.

Skills

Centre management

Team leadership

Stakeholder relations

Quality assurance

Curriculum development

Ofsted knowledge

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Teaching qualification

Educational management qualification

Functional Skills Level 2 English & Maths

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.