Sunderland Engineering Training Association (SETA) is a vibrant and long-standing Washington-based independent specialist training provider. We have an Ofsted ‘Good’ grade across all aspects of our provision. We predominantly serve the North East’s engineering, manufacturing, process and related sectors, helping individuals gain the skills, knowledge and confidence required to fulfil their potential.
Job Purpose
The Head of Operations is responsible for the operational leadership of Seta, ensuring the organisation delivers outstanding training and apprenticeship programmes safely, efficiently and in full compliance with regulatory, awarding organisation and funding requirements.
Working as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will lead curriculum delivery, quality assurance, operational performance, staff development and learner success, ensuring that employers, apprentices and other customers receive an excellent service.
The Head of Operations will play a key role in implementing Seta's strategic objectives and will deputise for the Chief Executive Officer when required.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead the day-to-day operational management of Seta's training provision.
- Ensure all training programmes are delivered safely, effectively and cost-efficiently.
- Translate strategic objectives into operational plans, targets and measurable outcomes.
- Monitor operational performance through appropriate KPIs and implement continuous improvement activities.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
- Lead the delivery of high-quality teaching, learning and assessment across all programmes.
- Ensure learners receive an outstanding learning experience leading to successful achievement, progression and employer satisfaction.
- Monitor learner performance, attendance, retention and achievement, taking appropriate action where improvements are required.
- Promote innovation and continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
Quality and Compliance
- Lead and maintain Seta's Quality Management Systems, including:
- ISO 9001
- ISO 45001
- ISO 14001
- Awarding Organisation quality assurance requirements
- Funding body compliance requirements
- Ensure Seta remains inspection and audit ready at all times.
- Lead internal audits, quality reviews and external inspections.
- Develop a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
Apprenticeships and Employer Delivery
- Take overall responsibility for the successful delivery of apprenticeship programmes from enrolment through to completion.
- Ensure programmes meet employer needs, apprenticeship standards and funding requirements.
- Develop strong working relationships with employers, responding proactively to operational issues and opportunities.
- Support the development of new curriculum and commercial training opportunities.
Leadership and People Management
- Lead, motivate and develop operational teams to achieve high performance.
- Line manage teaching, training and quality staff.
- Recruit, induct and develop staff to ensure Seta maintains an appropriately qualified and competent workforce.
- Carry out performance management, appraisal and professional development activities.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and inclusive working culture.
Health, Safety and Environment
- Provide strategic leadership for Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Environmental Management.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Promote a positive safety culture across all areas of the organisation.
- Ensure operational risks are identified, assessed and appropriately managed.
Facilities and Resources
- Ensure Seta's workshops, classrooms, equipment and learning environments remain fit for purpose.
- Oversee maintenance, replacement and development of training facilities and equipment.
- Support investment planning to ensure facilities reflect current and future industry requirements.
Stakeholder Relationships
- Build productive relationships with employers, awarding organisations, funding agencies and other key stakeholders.
- Represent Seta at external meetings, networks and events as appropriate.
- Support employer engagement activities to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
Financial and Operational Performance
- Manage operational budgets effectively and deliver agreed financial objectives.
- Ensure efficient deployment of staffing and other resources.
- Contribute to business planning and operational forecasting.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency whilst maintaining quality.
Corporate Responsibilities
- Contribute fully as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Support organisational planning, change management and strategic development.
- Deputise for the Chief Executive Officer as required.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the seniority of the post.
General Responsibilities
The postholder will:
- Demonstrate Seta's values and behaviours.
- Maintain confidentiality and GDPR compliance.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Work in accordance with all Seta policies and procedures.
- Undertake continuing professional development appropriate to the role.
- Be willing to undertake occasional evening travel or work where required.
This job description is intended to indicate the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list and may be reviewed and amended to meet the changing needs of the organisation.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Team leadership experience
- Apprenticeship or training provider sector experience
- Experience with Ofsted and other quality improvement methodologies
- Strong people leadership and performance management
- Health & Safety knowledge and experience
- Engineering or technical sector understanding
- Curriculum Development experience
- Digital competence
Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Degree or equivalent gained experience
- Knowledge of ESFA/DfE funding rules and compliance
- Experience of ISO management systems
- Employer relationship management
- Financial and budget management
- IOSH/NEBOSH qualifications
- Teaching qualification and assessor/IQA qualifications
- Safeguarding experience
Pay: £55,000.00-£58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
