Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead

University of Derby; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave (38 days inc. BH

Wellbeing benefits and EAP

Staff discounts

Discounted onsite gym

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexible working environment

Personal and professional development

Job summary

The University of Derby is seeking a Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead to own the FE and Skills systems landscape. You will provide oversight of systems, data quality and regulatory compliance, working with DS&S and university stakeholders to ensure systems are fit for purpose and deliver high-quality management information.

You will drive strategic development, lead change initiatives, and coordinate improvements across FE and Skills systems while fostering a customer-focused and

Qualifications

• Experience with FE, Skills or Apprenticeship administration and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to translate operational requirements into practical system solutions.
• Proven track record in data quality and reporting improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic development and enhancement of FE/Skills systems.
• Oversee data integrity, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to implement system changes and integrations.
• Drive process improvement, standardisation and automation in the FE/Skills space.

Skills

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Regulatory compliance

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Student information systems

Data reporting tools

Job description

We have one simple promise - to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 - making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About the College/Department

The Registry supports the whole student journey, from initial enquiry and admission through to final award and beyond. We work as an integrated, student-focused service, using our expertise, insight and technology to deliver excellent services and support student success. Our teams work collaboratively across the University, fostering an inclusive, high-performing culture that promotes wellbeing, development and opportunity for all.

About the Skills and Apprenticeships team

The Skills and Apprenticeships team plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of the University's Further Education, Skills and Apprenticeship provision. The team is responsible for ensuring the integrity of learner records, compliance with funding and regulatory requirements, management information reporting, and the effective operation of specialist FE and Skills systems.

Working closely with academic departments, curriculum teams, employers, external agencies and Digital Solutions & Services (DS&S), the team supports the University's commitment to delivering a high-quality, compliant and data-driven apprenticeship and skills service. As the University continues to grow and transform its Skills and Apprenticeship provision, the team is increasingly focused on improving systems, enhancing data quality, streamlining processes and maximising the value of digital technologies.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in the management and development of the University's FE and Skills systems landscape.

As Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead, you will act as the a business owner for FE and Skills systems, providing oversight of systems, processes, data quality and compliance. You will work closely with Digital Solutions & Services (DS&S) and key stakeholders across the University to ensure systems are fit for purpose, support regulatory and funding requirements and deliver high-quality management information.

Key responsibilities in this role include leading the strategic development, enhancement and continuous improvement of the University's FE and Skills systems to ensure they remain effective, efficient and aligned with organisational priorities. The postholder will oversee data integrity, quality assurance and compliance, ensuring that systems support accurate reporting and meet all regulatory and funding requirements. Acting as the key business lead for system changes, integrations and developments, you will work closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and deliver impactful solutions.

The role will also involve leading business impact assessments and supporting the successful implementation of change initiatives, helping teams adapt to new processes and technologies. You will drive process improvement, standardisation and automation to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, while coordinating activities linked to critical regulatory and operational cycles. In addition, you will provide functional leadership and direction across FE and Skills systems support activities, ensuring a high-quality, responsive and customer-focused systems environment.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to influence the future direction of a critical area of University operations, helping to deliver transformation, improve efficiency and ensure the continued success of Skills and Apprenticeships provision.

This role can be primarily based at either our Buxton campus or Derby campus.

If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. However, should you choose to be based at our Buxton site, the role will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

About You

We are seeking an experienced systems, data or service professional with a strong understanding of FE, Skills or Apprenticeship administration and a proven appreciation of the importance of regulatory compliance, data integrity and effective business processes. You will be confident working with complex systems and datasets, translating operational requirements into practical solutions and driving continuous service improvement.

You will be an effective collaborator, able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, providing expert advice, influencing decision making and constructively challenging existing ways of working to deliver positive change. With significant experience of FE, Skills or student record systems, you will bring a strong understanding of data quality, governance and compliance requirements, alongside experience of developing and improving processes, reporting and management information.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to assess risk, balance priorities and understand wider business impacts. You will be confident working independently, taking the initiative to lead service enhancements and support organisational transformation. A degree, or equivalent relevant professional experience, is essential.

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Paul Grocott, Operational Compliance Manager (Skills & Apprenticeships) via [e-mail]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [e-mail]

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit our website for more information.

If you are successful, you will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. However, should you choose to be based at our Buxton site, the role will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.

To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.

Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.