ITT Placements Manager in Bristol

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people. We are a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE's 'Golden Thread' (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. We have seen incredible growth and aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

About the Role:

The ITT Partnership Lead is responsible for the operational delivery of placements across ITT routes, ensuring placements are secured, managed and supported in line with agreed strategy, compliance requirements and programme needs. The role line manages the Placement & Engagement Team, oversees placement activity, supports school partners, and ensures placements meet DfE and Ofsted expectations. The postholder acts as the main operational contact for placement delivery, escalating risks and issues appropriately to the Head of Partnerships and Placements.

Key Responsibilities

• Delivery of Placement Strategy: Deliver the agreed placement strategy set by the Head of Partnerships and Placements across ITT routes. Coordinate placement activity in line with cohort numbers, programme timelines and curriculum requirements. Support the identification of placement schools and matching of trainees to placements, ensuring suitability, capacity and logistical considerations are met. Implement agreed placement processes, timelines and operating procedures consistently. Contribute operational insight and feedback to inform future planning and improvement.
• Compliance and Quality Assurance: Ensure placements meet DfE ITT criteria and Ofsted expectations at an operational level. Maintain accurate, auditable records relating to placements, safeguarding confirmations and compliance checks. Coordinate pre-placement checks, mid-point monitoring and post-placement feedback processes. Identify risks or gaps in placement quality or compliance and escalate appropriately. Support Ofsted readiness by ensuring evidence is complete, accurate and accessible.
• Management of the Placement & Engagement Team: Line manage the Placement & Engagement Team, providing clear priorities, oversight and day-to-day support. Allocate workload, monitor delivery against timelines and address issues promptly. Step in to support workload at times of high demand, staff shortage and manage trickier scenarios. Support team development through regular check-ins, feedback and coaching. Ensure consistent, professional communication with schools and internal teams. Foster a collaborative, organised and solutions-focused team culture.
• Partnership Engagement and Communication: Act as a key operational contact for school and MAT partners regarding placements. Ensure schools receive clear, timely information on expectations, processes and support. Coordinate placement communications, documentation and follow-ups. Support relationship management activity led by the Head of Partnerships and Placements. Handle routine partner queries and escalate complex or sensitive issues as needed.
• Issue Resolution and Trainee Experience: Manage placement-related issues such as logistics, fit, attendance or changes. Liaise with programme teams to resolve issues quickly and professionally. Ensure trainees and schools feel supported throughout the placement lifecycle. Use feedback to identify areas for improvement in processes and communication.

Targets and Measures of Success

• Placements delivered on time and in line with agreed plans.
• High levels of data accuracy and compliance assurance.
• Reduced last-minute placement changes and issues.
• Positive feedback from schools, trainees and internal teams.
• High levels of repeat placements from partner schools.
• Effective team performance and workload management.

About You

• Experience working in placement coordination, partnerships, education operations or a related role.
• Experience line managing or supervising an operational team.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence working with compliance processes and detailed record keeping.
• Clear, professional communication skills with external partners.
• Calm, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.
• Experience within ITT, education or training provision.
• Knowledge of DfE or Ofsted requirements (or ability to learn quickly).
• Experience using CRMs or placement management systems.
• Experience working with schools or MATs.

Benefits

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare Plan once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP.
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary.
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn.