Deputy Centre Manager - Alternate Provision

Tradewind Recruitment LTD.; Towcester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradewind Recruitment LTD. is seeking a Deputy Centre Manager for a brand-new Alternative Provision site in Towcester. You will lead alongside the Centre Manager, supporting pupils with SEMH needs and challenging behaviours, while developing staff and managing day-to-day operations.

This is a hands-on leadership role with classroom responsibilities and a focus on building a positive learning culture from launch, including collaboration with families and external professionals.

Qualifications

• Experience in education, Alternative Provision, SEMH, SEND, or behaviour management.
• Candidates may be Senior Teaching Assistant, HLTA, Behaviour Lead, Pastoral Manager, or Assistant Head.
• Able to work hands-on in classrooms and lead a team.

Responsibilities

• Take an active role within the classroom, supporting teaching and learning.
• Build positive relationships with pupils who may display challenging behaviour or struggle with traditional classroom environments.
• Support behaviour management, implementing consistent boundaries and promoting positive engagement.
• Provide guidance, direction and support to Teaching Assistants and tutors.
• Assist with the day-to-day management and organisation of the centre.
• Support staff with classroom challenges and pupil behaviour.
• Monitor pupil engagement, attendance and personal development.
• Help maintain a safe, structured and positive learning environment.
• Build relationships with parents, carers and external professionals where required.
• Deputise for the Centre Manager when needed and contribute to ongoing development of the provision.

Job description

Deputy Centre Manager - Alternative Provision

Location: Towcester, Northamptonshire

Salary: £34,000+ per annum

Contract: Temporary to Permanent

Start: New Year 2027

Lead by example. Support young people. Make a difference.

Are you an experienced education professional with a passion for supporting young people who face barriers to mainstream education?

Do you enjoy being hands‑on in the classroom, supporting pupils with challenging behaviour, while also having the confidence to lead, motivate and support a wider team?

Tradewind Recruitment is working alongside an exciting Alternative Provision setting opening a brand‑new site in Towcester in the New Year. They are looking to appoint a dedicated Deputy Centre Manager to work closely with the Centre Manager in establishing and developing the new provision.

This is a varied, hands‑on role combining classroom‑based responsibilities with leadership and management duties. You won't simply be overseeing the provision from an office; you'll be actively involved in supporting pupils, staff and the day‑to‑day running of the centre.

About the setting

The provision will cater for pupils who may have experienced difficulties within mainstream education, including social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), behavioural challenges, disengagement and disrupted educational experiences.

The aim is to provide a more personalised and supportive approach, helping young people develop confidence, positive relationships and the skills needed to move forward.

The role

Working alongside the Centre Manager, your responsibilities will include:

• Taking an active role within the classroom, supporting teaching and learning.
• Building positive relationships with pupils who may display challenging behaviour or struggle with traditional classroom environments.
• Supporting behaviour management, implementing consistent boundaries and promoting positive engagement.
• Providing guidance, direction and support to Teaching Assistants and tutors.
• Assisting with the day‑to‑day management and organisation of the centre.
• Supporting staff with classroom challenges and pupil behaviour.
• Monitoring pupil engagement, attendance and personal development.
• Helping maintain a safe, structured and positive learning environment.
• Building relationships with parents, carers and external professionals where required.
• Deputising for the Centre Manager when needed and contributing to the ongoing development of the provision.

Who are we looking for?

We are interested in candidates with experience in education, Alternative Provision, SEMH, SEND, pastoral support or behaviour management.

You may currently be a Senior Teaching Assistant, HLTA, Behaviour Lead, Pastoral Manager, Assistant Head or an experienced educator looking to progress into a leadership position.

You will need to be confident working directly with young people, resilient when managing challenging situations and capable of supporting colleagues through a hands‑on approach.

What's on offer?

Salary from £34,000+ per annum.

A combination of classroom‑based work and leadership responsibilities.

The opportunity to join a new provision from the beginning.

A key role in shaping the culture and development of the setting.

The chance to make a meaningful difference to young people who need additional support.

Temporary-to-permanent employment through Tradewind Recruitment.

If you are ready for a new challenge and want to combine your passion for working with young people with an opportunity to develop your leadership career, we'd love to hear from you.