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- Tasks: Lead and manage operations for a dynamic training provider focused on learner success.
- Company: Join a values-driven team at Different Steps CIC, part of the Animal Antiks Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while shaping a successful training provider.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification in training/education and 3+ years in a relevant environment.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful rural setting with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Head of Different Steps is the operational and business leader responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic development of Different Steps CIC as a successful training provider. This is a business management role requiring someone with a training background who excels at process, systems, and operational excellence. You will oversee all aspects of running a compliant, efficient training company—from awarding body relationships and apprenticeship development to learner journey management and team coordination. While you'll manage educators and develop curriculums with your team, your primary focus is operational leadership, systems management, and business growth. The successful candidate will combine practical training sector knowledge with strong business acumen, ensuring Different Steps operates efficiently, meets all regulatory requirements, and delivers exceptional outcomes for learners while supporting sustainable growth.
Responsibilities
- Business Operations and Business Management
- Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Team Management & Development
- Learner Journey & Experience
- Business Development & Growth
Qualifications
Education and Qualifications
- Training/education sector qualification (degree level or equivalent professional experience)
- Evidence of continuing professional development in training/education sector
- Enhanced DBS check (required before commencement)
Experience
- Minimum 3 years' experience working in a training or education environment (training provider, FE college, apprenticeship delivery)
- Proven experience with operational/business management and process improvement
- Experience working with learning management systems (One File experience highly desirable)
- Experience with awarding body requirements and quality assurance processes
- Experience managing teams and coordinating multiple stakeholders
- Understanding of working with SEND learners and EHCP processes
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong process and systems management skills – you excel at creating efficient workflows
- Excellent organisational abilities and attention to detail
- Understanding of post-16 training landscape, funding mechanisms, and compliance
- Knowledge of awarding body standards (City & Guilds, ASDAN, or equivalent)
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and produce reports
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, databases, and digital systems
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Financial awareness and budget management capability
Personal Attributes
- Business-minded with a problem-solving approach
- Strong leadership abilities with capacity to motivate and manage teams
- Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment
- High levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
- Commitment to inclusive education and supporting vulnerable young people
- Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work autonomously
Benefits Package
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Generous holiday allowance (25 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service)
- Professional development budget and support for further qualifications (including IQA if needed)
- Beautiful rural working environment
- Opportunity to shape and grow a successful training provider
- Genuine impact on young people's lives
- Career progression opportunities within the growing Animal Antiks Group
- Supportive, values-driven leadership team
Different Steps CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
Head of Different Steps employer: Animal Antiks
Contact Detail:
Animal Antiks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Different Steps
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the training and education sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Different Steps CIC thoroughly—know their mission, values, and recent developments. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work, especially anything related to operational excellence or team management. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges in the training sector.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Different Steps
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Different Steps. We want to see how your training background and operational skills can contribute to our mission.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you improved processes or led successful projects, let us know!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the training sector. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal Antiks
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the training sector and operational management. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of Different Steps CIC, including their compliance standards and learner journey management. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand the nuances of the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and developed curriculums in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and handle multiple stakeholders. This is a leadership role, so demonstrating your experience in guiding teams towards success will be crucial.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since the role involves interpreting data and producing reports, come prepared to discuss your analytical skills. Bring examples of how you've used data to improve processes or outcomes in previous roles. This will help illustrate your strong business acumen and operational excellence.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s future plans, especially regarding business growth and development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your proactive approach!
