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- Tasks: Manage adult skills contracts and ensure successful execution across the UK.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on adult education and skills development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in adult education while driving performance and quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing adult education contracts and strong understanding of funding rules.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on learner outcomes and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As the Skills Contracts Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the end-to-end operational management of adult skills contracts across the UK. This includes Skills Bootcamps, Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), and subcontracted provision. Your primary objective is to ensure the successful execution of all contracts in line with commissioner specifications, funding rules, financial profiles, and quality expectations. You will drive performance across a contract portfolio valued at approximately £10m, ensuring delivery aligns with allocation profiles, funding regulations, and agreed KPIs. You will play a pivotal role in maximising contract performance, optimising resource allocation, mitigating risks, and ensuring high levels of learner outcomes and commissioner satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Contract & Performance Management
- Lead end-to-end contract management across all adult skills provision (Bootcamps, ASF, FCFJ and subcontracted delivery).
- Translate contract allocations and profiles into operational delivery plans that maximise funding utilisation across programmes.
- Monitor performance against financial, quality, and KPI targets, implementing corrective actions where required.
- Conduct regular contract performance reviews and ensure delivery remains aligned with commissioner expectations.
- Identify risks to delivery, develop mitigation strategies, and implement step-in measures where necessary.
- Delivery & Operational Planning
- Work closely with Business Development, Enrolment, Delivery, Quality, Data & Claims teams to ensure joined-up operational execution.
- Analyse ILR data and FIS reports to interpret funding performance, learner progress, and profile achievement.
- Use performance data to plan cohort starts, tutor allocation, and delivery volumes to match contract values and financial profiles.
- Ensure delivery planning aligns with a £10m contract portfolio and supports full allocation utilisation.
- Quality & Compliance
- Work in partnership with the Head of Quality and Curriculum, Heads of Curriculum, and Curriculum Innovations Manager to drive QAR performance across all provision.
- Implement contractual performance and quality improvement plans where required.
- Ensure full compliance with DfE funding rules and contract-specific requirements.
- Maintain oversight of audit readiness, funding compliance, and data integrity.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the operational lead for commissioner relationships relating to contract performance.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment between curriculum planning, enrolment activity, and contract outcomes.
- Support in understanding operational capacity and performance trends for future bids.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience managing adult education or skills contracts.
- Experience working within performance and/or contract management frameworks.
- Strong understanding of DfE funding rules and contract compliance requirements.
- Experience of business planning, budget preparation, and financial monitoring.
- Experience working with adult learners and adult skills provision.
- Ability to manage and drive performance improvement across multiple programmes.
- Strong working knowledge of ILR reporting and the ability to interpret FIS reports to inform delivery planning.
Desirable
- Experience engaging with internal and external quality assurance mechanisms.
- Experience managing subcontracted provision.
- Advanced data analysis capability within ILR systems.
This role is primarily based at our Derby branch. However, we are open to the role being based in Sheffield, with hybrid working arrangements considered where operationally appropriate.
Skills Contracts Operations Manager employer: Momentum Recruitment LTD
Contact Detail:
Momentum Recruitment LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills Contracts Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience managing contracts and driving performance improvement, as these are key for the Skills Contracts Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Skills Contracts Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Skills Contracts Operations Manager role. Highlight your experience with adult education contracts and performance management, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage contracts and drive performance. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you've maximised funding utilisation or improved learner outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and you can easily track your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Momentum Recruitment LTD
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the various adult skills contracts mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with Skills Bootcamps, ASF, and FCFJ. Being able to discuss these contracts confidently will show your potential employer that you're serious about the role.
✨Prepare for Performance Metrics Questions
Since this role involves managing performance against financial and quality targets, be ready to discuss how you've previously monitored and improved performance. Think of specific examples where you've implemented corrective actions or driven performance improvements across programmes.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
This position requires strong collaboration with various teams and stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with commissioners or internal teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and ability to align different departments towards common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Data Analysis Prowess
Given the importance of ILR data and funding performance in this role, brush up on your data analysis skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform delivery planning and decision-making. If you have experience interpreting FIS reports, make sure to mention it!