Safety Apprentice

Mace; Warrington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in education assessment is seeking a Centre Manager to oversee the operation and compliance of SIAS Centres. This role involves managing accreditation processes, approving assessors, and ensuring high-quality performance across Centres. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a degree-level education, and experience in an Awarding Organisation. Travel across Great Britain and Northern Ireland is required to provide support to various Centres. Competitive salary and supportive working environment offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role within an Awarding Organisation.
• Thorough understanding of Centre management and Ofqual requirements.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Centre accreditation and approval processes.
• Approve assessors and internal quality assurers.
• Manage Centre-related complaints and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Education

Degree level education or equivalent relevant experience

Qualification in assessment or quality assurance (e.g., TAQA, IQA/EQA)

Tools

Management information systems

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

About the Role

The purpose of this role is to manage the effective operation, support, and compliance of SIAS Centres in line with Centre agreements, the Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny (CASS) strategy, and regulatory requirements. The Centre Manager will act as the key liaison between SIAS and its approved Centres.

Responsibilities

• Support the end‑to‑end Centre accreditation and approval process, including qualification, assessment, and manage Reasonable Adjustment/Special Consideration approvals.
• Approve Centre Assessors and IQAs in line with SIAS, Ofqual, and other regulatory requirements.
• Act as the key decision‑maker for Centre‑related matters, including complaints, sanctions (up to Level 2), and Centre EQA monitoring reports.
• Oversee and monitor EQA activity across Centres to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance.
• Manage resources effectively and oversee risk management and performance within the Centre network.
• Maintain accurate Centre records and documentation to evidence compliance and support audits.
• Plan and conduct Centre visits, observations, and sampling in accordance with SIAS policy and regulatory expectations.
• Provide clear, evidence‑based feedback and recommendations to support improvement and maintain standards.
• Report on Centre performance, identifying risks, trends, and areas for development, and take appropriate follow‑up actions.
• Ensure effective risk management and compliance with the Centre Assessment Standards Scrutiny (CASS) strategy.
• Act as the main point of contact for Centres, providing high‑quality advice, guidance, and responsive support.
• Line‑manage Centre Relationship Managers as the volume of Centres increases.
• Deliver Centre support through visits, webinars, standardisation workshops, and training sessions.
• Lead or support EQA visits where required to ensure alignment, quality, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the Head of Operations and Quality Team to address actions, manage sanctions, and drive continuous improvement.
• Support the development and implementation of new and improved Centre processes, policies, and quality assurance practices.
• Provide regular reports on Centre activity, compliance, and improvement outcomes.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience in education, assessment, or operations management.
• A recognised qualification in assessment, internal/external quality assurance, or regulatory compliance (e.g., TAQA, IQA/EQA) is desirable.

Required Experience and Skills

• Proven experience in a similar role within an Awarding Organisation, including line management responsibility.
• Thorough understanding of Centre management within an Awarding Organisation and Ofqual regulatory requirements.
• In‑depth knowledge of Centre accreditation, assessment processes, and quality assurance principles.
• Understanding of Reasonable Adjustments, Special Considerations, and compliance frameworks.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
• Skilled in delivering training, workshops, and guidance.
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• A customer‑centric approach, with the ability to instil this mindset in others.
• Confident in planning and conducting audits, monitoring visits, and scrutiny activities under CASS principles.
• Competent in using management information systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel to SIAS Centres across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please email [e-mail] with a copy of your CV and a covering letter of no more than 1000 words detailing how you meet the essential criteria for this post. Please ensure that you specify which post you are applying for.

EEO Statement

As a Disability Confident employer applicants should indicate if they consider themselves to be a disabled person. All disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria will get a guaranteed interview. We are a fully inclusive organisation and encourage applications from individuals from minority communities.