Skills Contracts Operations Manager - North West in Stoke-on-Trent

As the Skills Contracts Operations Manager, you will oversee the seamless management of contracts pertaining to skill development programmes across Greater Manchester. Your core responsibility is to ensure the efficient execution of contracts, meeting client specifications, optimising resource allocation, and upholding high levels of client satisfaction.

Your primary objective is to drive exceptional performance and meet the expectations outlined within the skills contracts, including financial, quality and performance targets. You will work in close coordination with the Business Development, Enrolment, Delivery and Data and Claims teams, forging robust connections to foster collaboration and alignment.

Department: Skills Management

Location: Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end contract management by implementing robust project management and review procedures across the Greater Manchester skills provision.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of contract deliverables with commissioner expectations.
• Actively engage with community groups, employers and wider stakeholders to grow and develop the business within the curriculum-specific context.
• Build effective and productive working relationships with commissioners' contract leads.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, strategic and generic subcontractors/delivery partners, and other relevant organisations.
• Create and maintain key contract planning, monitoring and reporting documentation.
• Facilitate regular contract reviews with key managers to assess performance, plan the approach to achieving future targets and identify potential challenges and mitigating actions to ensure positive contract outcomes.
• Provide weekly status reports regarding contract milestones, progress against key performance indicators (KPIs), programme interdependencies, risks and issues.
• Respond to commissioner requirements for contract progress reporting and assurance.
• Work closely with the Head of Quality and Curriculum, actively participating in programme evaluation, stakeholder feedback and lessons learned activities.
• Drive the long-term financial performance and value for money of Greater Manchester skills programmes through effective operational and financial performance management.
• Work closely with the Heads of Curriculum, Head of Quality and Curriculum and Curriculum Innovations Manager to implement step-in measures as required, including contractual performance and quality improvement planning.
• Provide feedback based on any evaluation results, quality and progress assessments or individual responses to the Assistant Director for Skills and relevant Head of Curriculum to ensure content not achieving intended learning objectives is addressed.
• Work with the Skills Delivery team as part of a defined joined-up approach to ensure a close tie-up between CPD design and programme management, ensuring that a feedback loop exists.
• Identify effective practice through data analysis and robust audit, sharing with the wider internal management teams and developing into business-as-usual practice.
• Ensure that expertise across delivery areas is kept up to date through self-management and engagement with the relevant Head of Curriculum to gain access to the latest policy and research.

Key Performance Indicators

• Achievement of contractual quality and performance measures.
• Collaboration and engagement with community organisations, referral partners and employers.
• Customer retention and high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.
• Budget and resource utilisation and efficiency.
• Timely and accurate reporting on contract performance measures.
• Accuracy and completeness of contract documentation and reporting.

Qualifications and Specific Training

Essential Qualifications

• A degree in business administration, management or a related field.
• Level 5 management qualification or significant management experience in residential childcare or adult education settings.
• GCSE grade A*–C (or equivalent) in English and Math.
• Full driving licence.

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 5 teaching learning and assessment qualification.
• Level 4 IQA qualification.

Experience

Essential Experience

• Experience of performance and/or contract management frameworks.
• Proven experience in managing and delivering on educational skills contracts.
• Experience of business planning, budget preparation and budget management.
• Experience working with adult learners or in the adult education field.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of and engagement with quality assurance mechanisms both internally and externally.

Knowledge

Essential Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of national standards and regulations for adult skills.
• Understanding how to manage and drive performance improvement in contracts.
• Demonstrate a knowledge, understanding and personal commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across all areas of work.

Desirable Knowledge

• Up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of adult education products, services and industry trends.

Skills and Qualities

Essential Skills

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic planning and goal setting.
• Project management skills.
• Data analysis and reporting abilities.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Results-driven and goal-oriented.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong commitment to promoting and expanding adult education opportunities.

Desirable Skills

• Proficient in data analytics and using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software.
• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the diverse needs of adult learners.

Job Benefits

• Flexible working including home-based, centre-based or hybrid job role dependent.
• Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days.
• Pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
• Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications.
• Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT and PET scans and discounted shopping vouchers.
• Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge.
• Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer and secure prayer spaces.
• Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives.
• Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards.
• £500 Recommend a friend scheme.