General Manager (Training Provider)

Bedford

Full time and Permanent

£35,000 - £40,000

Role Purpose:

The General Manager will oversee the operational management of the office support teams, including Programme Support Officers, the Coordination Supervisor and their subordinate staff, Data Coordinators, and Administrative personnel.

The successful candidate will ensure high standards of performance, compliance, professionalism, safeguarding, data management, reporting, and office culture across the organisation. This role is central to maintaining an efficient, compliant, and supportive working environment within a Further Education and Independent Training Provider setting.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

·       Lead and manage all office-based operational support staff.

·       Oversee the work of:

• • Programme Support Officers
  • Coordination Supervisor and coordination team
  • Data Coordinators
  • Administrative staff

·       Ensure all teams operate efficiently, professionally, and collaboratively.

·       Monitor workloads and allocate resources effectively to meet business priorities and learner needs.

·       Support continuous improvement across operational processes and systems.

Management Information & Reporting

·       Ensure compliant and effective use of the organisation’s Management Information Systems (MIS).

·       Maintain high standards of data accuracy, integrity, and audit readiness.

·       Produce and oversee Power BI reporting and operational performance dashboards.

·       Monitor KPIs, learner data, attendance, funding evidence, and operational metrics.

·       Support quality assurance and compliance activities relating to ESFA, Ofsted, awarding bodies, and internal audits.

Team Management & Culture

·       Promote a positive, inclusive, supportive, and accountable workplace culture.

·       Ensure excellent standards of office conduct and professional behaviour.

·       Monitor staff attendance, punctuality, and overall performance.

·       Conduct regular team meetings, supervision sessions, and performance reviews.

·       Support staff wellbeing, engagement, and professional development.

·       Address conduct or performance concerns in line with company policies.

Safeguarding & Compliance

·       Ensure all office staff complete mandatory safeguarding and compliance training.

·       Promote a strong safeguarding culture across all teams.

·       Support adherence to GDPR, health & safety, equality and diversity, Prevent Duty, and organisational policies.

·       Work closely with senior leadership to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

Essential Criteria

Experience

·       Significant experience working within a Further Education college or Independent Training Provider (ITP) environment.

·       Proven experience managing operational or administrative teams.

·       Experience overseeing learner data, MIS systems, and funding compliance.

·       Experience using Power BI and producing operational reports.

·       Experience managing staff performance and office operations.

Knowledge & Skills

·       Strong understanding of FE funding and compliance requirements.

·       Excellent organisational and leadership skills.

·       Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

·       High attention to detail and data accuracy.

·       Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

·       Confident using Microsoft Office, MIS systems, and reporting tools.

·       Strong understanding of safeguarding and compliance responsibilities.

Desirable Criteria

·       Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections or funding audits.

·       Knowledge of ESFA funding rules and learner evidence requirements.

·       ILM or management qualification.

·       Experience implementing operational improvement initiatives.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

·       Professional and approachable

·       Highly organised and proactive

·       Supportive and people-focused

·       Calm under pressure

·       Solutions-oriented

·       Committed to continuous improvement

·       Passionate about education and learner success

What We Offer

·       Opportunity to work within a growing and innovative education organisation

·       Supportive leadership team and collaborative culture

·       Career development opportunities

·       Meaningful role supporting learners and education delivery

·       Office-based role with direct impact on organisational success

The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service and employment will be subject to references.

This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

To apply for this opportunity your detailed CV to Clarus Education now to be considered. We will be contacting those shortlisted within 48 hours of an application.

Please see our website page headed ‘About’ and scroll to the bottom to see our ‘Privacy Notice’ for an explanation about how we use information we collect about you.

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