Lead Practitioner of Geography in Barnet

As a key member of the department's senior leadership team, the Training and Improvement Manager will be instrumental in shaping the strategy, core values, and improvement plans. The role demands a proactive approach to leading EdTech training programs, including the management of a comprehensive training calendar. Leveraging both internal and external resources, the Training and Improvement Manager will ensure effective training delivery, directly contributing to Ark’s success.

A significant focus over the next 12 months will be the implementation of Bromcom Management Information System (MIS) across all Primary schools. This initiative will require the Training and Improvement Manager to employ their expert MIS knowledge in a hands-on capacity, facilitating training sessions and supporting manual data entry efforts as necessary. Additionally, the role encompasses mentoring responsibilities, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the systems support team in collaboration with the Systems Support Team Leader. Together, they will craft a training matrix and implement strategies to elevate the customer experience for schools. Change management expertise will be leveraged to support both the PMO and Systems Support Team, guiding them through transformational initiatives with a steady and informed hand.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Systems Support Team and PMO to drive departmental and EdTech improvements.
• Engage actively with schools and central stakeholders to identify opportunities for enhancements in system functionalities and process efficiencies.
• Analyse and synthesise these insights to present actionable recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to the strategic project pipeline formulation.
• Manage internal and external training delivery resources effectively.
• Play a critical role in the MIS implementation project across Primary schools, providing training and data entry support.
• Mentor and develop the systems support team in partnership with the Systems Support Team Leader.
• Collaborate with the Support Manager to review and propose enhancements to the Field Data Manager service, KPI reporting and support development journey; aiming to elevate service quality and efficiency.

Key Requirements:

• Educated to degree level.
• Proven experience in a training and development leadership role, ideally within a Multi Academy Trust or school setting.
• Demonstrated expertise in MIS, specifically with Bromcom MIS, is essential.
• Experience in strategic planning and collaboration as part of a senior leadership team.
• Ability to leverage both internal and external resources for training programs.
• Adaptability to changing circumstances and evolving educational needs.
• Skilled in mentoring team members, fostering growth, and enhancing service delivery.
• A commitment to developing others’ capabilities.
• A focus on improving the customer experience, especially within an educational context.
• Empathy for end-users (teachers, administrators, etc.).
• Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Understanding of the educational landscape, including managing projects and initiatives aimed at school improvement.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for conducting regular meetings, advocating for requirements, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

About Ark:

We’re an international charity, transforming lives through education. We exist to give every young person, regardless of their background, a great education and real choices in life. In the UK, we’re a network of 39 schools, educating around 30,000 pupils in areas where we can make the biggest difference and we’re recognised as one of the highest achieving academy groups in the country. We want to change the lives of children everywhere, not just in our own schools. So, we create and incubate Ventures designed not only to help pupils in Ark schools, but also to improve education systems.

You’ll be joining a group of like-minded, ambitious individuals who work collaboratively and are all committed to our core mission, that every child has the potential to succeed. Having just celebrated our 20th anniversary, we are shaping our goals for the next 20 and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

Benefits:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3-years’ service.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Hybrid working, with currently two days a week in our state-of-the-art office in West London.
• Regular social events, monthly free breakfast, and daily fruit.
• A flexible approach to working with understanding and consideration for work life balance and personal commitments.
• Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career.
• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.