Quality Manager (Apprenticeship Services)

S Knights Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary 40k-45k GBP

Professional development

Career progression

Job summary

S Knights Recruitment is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead the quality assurance framework for Apprenticeship Services in Manchester. You will ensure Ofsted, ESFA, and awarding body compliance while driving continuous improvement across provision.

The role oversees SAR, QIP, OTLA, data analysis, inspection readiness, safeguarding, and learner outcomes, partnering with operational teams to raise standards and deliver excellent learner experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience leading quality assurance within Apprenticeships, Further Education, or Skills provision.
• Strong knowledge of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and ESFA funding rules.
• Proven experience managing SAR, QIP, OTLA, standardisation, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship standards, gateway requirements, and End-Point Assessment (EPA).
• Experience conducting quality audits, observations, sampling, and compliance reviews.
• Understanding of safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and learner wellbeing.
• Excellent analytical, reporting, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) across apprenticeship provision.
• Manage Observation of Teaching, Learning and Assessment (OTLA) activities, case sampling, and quality reviews.
• Drive continuous quality improvement across apprenticeship programmes and learner journeys.
• Monitor learner progress, achievement, retention, and quality performance indicators.
• Lead standardisation activities to promote consistent assessment and coaching practices.
• Analyse quality data and produce reports to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, ESFA, apprenticeship standards, and awarding organisation requirements.
• Maintain inspection readiness through effective quality assurance and evidence management.
• Lead safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), learner wellbeing, and careers guidance activities.
• Manage learner and employer feedback, surveys, complaints, and service improvement initiatives.
• Support Skills Coaches and Programme Leads through coaching, feedback, and quality improvement activities.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to enhance learner outcomes and employer satisfaction.

Skills

Quality management

Ofsted/ESFA knowledge

Continuous improvement

Stakeholder leadership

Education

IQA qualification

Teaching qualification

DSL experience

Ofsted inspection experience

Job description

Quality Manager (Apprenticeship Services)

Location: Manchester, North West

Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per year

Contract: Full-time | Permanent

Are you an experienced Quality Manager with a passion for driving excellence across apprenticeship provision? Do you have a strong understanding of Ofsted, apprenticeship quality assurance, safeguarding, and continuous improvement?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing training provider where you'll play a pivotal role in shaping quality strategy, improving learner outcomes, and ensuring apprenticeship provision consistently exceeds regulatory and employer expectations.

About the Company

Our client is a forward-thinking training provider delivering high-quality Apprenticeships and Skills programmes across a range of sectors. Committed to learner success and employer satisfaction, they place quality, compliance, and continuous improvement at the heart of everything they do.

Working closely with employers, learners, and industry partners, they deliver engaging apprenticeship programmes that develop skills, improve careers, and support workforce development. Their learner-first approach, collaborative culture, and commitment to excellence make them an employer of choice within the Apprenticeships and Skills sector.

The Role

As Quality Manager, you will lead the organisation's quality assurance framework, ensuring apprenticeship delivery meets Ofsted, ESFA, and awarding body requirements while driving continuous improvement across all aspects of provision.

You’ll oversee quality assurance processes, manage the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), support inspection readiness, and work closely with operational teams to improve learner achievement, employer satisfaction, and overall programme quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Self-Assessment Report (SAR) and Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) across apprenticeship provision.
• Manage Observation of Teaching, Learning and Assessment (OTLA) activities, case sampling, and quality reviews.
• Drive continuous quality improvement across apprenticeship programmes and learner journeys.
• Monitor learner progress, achievement, retention, and quality performance indicators.
• Lead standardisation activities to promote consistent assessment and coaching practices.
• Analyse quality data and produce reports to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, ESFA, apprenticeship standards, and awarding organisation requirements.
• Maintain inspection readiness through effective quality assurance and evidence management.
• Lead safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), learner wellbeing, and careers guidance activities.
• Manage learner and employer feedback, surveys, complaints, and service improvement initiatives.
• Support Skills Coaches and Programme Leads through coaching, feedback, and quality improvement activities.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to enhance learner outcomes and employer satisfaction.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for an experienced Quality professional with a strong background in Apprenticeships, Further Education, or Work-Based Learning who is passionate about raising standards and delivering outstanding learner experiences.

You’ll ideally have:

• Experience leading quality assurance within Apprenticeships, Further Education, or Skills provision.
• Strong knowledge of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF), ESFA funding rules, and apprenticeship compliance.
• Proven experience managing SAR, QIP, OTLA, standardisation, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship standards, gateway requirements, and End-Point Assessment (EPA).
• Experience conducting quality audits, observations, sampling, and compliance reviews.
• Understanding of safeguarding, Prevent, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and learner wellbeing.
• Excellent analytical, reporting, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Experience using learner management systems and quality reporting tools.
• IQA qualification, teaching qualification, DSL experience, or Ofsted inspection experience would be advantageous.

Why Join?

• Competitive salary of £40,000 – £45,000 per year.
• Opportunity to shape quality strategy across apprenticeship provision.
• Work with a supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Play a key role in improving learner outcomes and employer satisfaction.
• Lead quality assurance, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Join an organisation committed to delivering outstanding Apprenticeships and Skills provision.