General Manager in Training (Permanent)

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, and Administrative staff.
• Ensure all teams operate efficiently, professionally, and collaboratively.
• 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.
• 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.
• Experience overseeing learner data, MIS systems, and funding compliance.
• Experience using Power BI and producing operational reports.
• Experience managing staff performance and office operations.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Confident using Microsoft Office, MIS systems, and reporting tools.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience preparing for Ofsted inspections or funding audits.
• ILM or management qualification.

Personal Attributes

• 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.

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