Deputy Manager

Dovetail and Slate; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Dovetail and Slate is seeking a Deputy Manager to support the Manager in the daily operation of an education service in Cambridge. This permanent role offers a salary of £35,000 per annum with a start date in September 2026.

You will oversee staff, maintain service quality and create a positive, well-organised environment for learners and colleagues. You’ll deputise when needed, lead by example and contribute to planning, reporting and continuous improvement while upholding safeguarding and

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory or leadership role within an education or related setting.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to lead a team and make sound decisions under pressure.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Support the Manager in day-to-day leadership and organisation of the service.
• Deputise for the Manager, including decision-making in their absence.
• Supervise, motivate and support team members to maintain high standards.
• Monitor quality and compliance, escalating concerns where needed.
• Contribute to planning, reporting and continuous improvement activities.
• Build positive relationships with learners, colleagues and external stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership experience

Organisational skills

Decision making under pressure

Safeguarding commitment

Education

Management qualification

Job description

Deputy Manager

Permanent

Salary: £35,000 per annum

Start date: September 2026.

About the Role

You’ll work closely with the Manager to support the smooth day-to-day running of the service, stepping up to lead operations in their absence and ensuring that high standards are maintained across the team.

This is a permanent position with an education provider, with a start date of September 2026. You’ll play a key role in supporting staff, maintaining quality standards, and helping to shape a positive, well-organised environment for learners and colleagues alike.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Manager in the day-to-day leadership and organisation of the service.
• Deputising for the Manager as required, including decision-making in their absence.
• Supervising, motivating and supporting team members to maintain high standards of practice.
• Monitoring quality and compliance across the service, escalating concerns where needed.
• Contributing to planning, reporting and continuous improvement activities.
• Building positive relationships with learners, colleagues and external stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Experience in a supervisory or leadership role within an education or related setting
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• The ability to lead a team and make sound decisions under pressure
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safeguarding

Desirable (but not essential):

• A relevant management or leadership qualification
• Experience deputising for a senior manager
• Familiarity with quality assurance or compliance processes in an education setting

Important Notice

We are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS with barred list check, PVG (Scotland), or Social Care Wales registration check, in line with the requirements of Ofsted and the relevant care regulators.

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Because care matters.

© Dovetail and Slate Limited