Quality Manager - Apprenticeships & Continuous Improvement

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

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.