Business Support Lead (Funding & Compliance) in Manchester

Manchester Adult Education Service is offering an exciting opportunity to join our MIS team as a Business Support Lead (Funding & Compliance). The role focuses on Apprenticeships and Higher Skills, as well as other funding streams, and requires managing data processes and ensuring compliance with the Department for Education (DfE), Office for Students (OfS), and other funding bodies.

Working hours: 35 Hours Per Week. Contract type: Full‑Time, Permanent. Closing date: 29 January 2026. Interview method: Face to Face. Applicants will need to provide a 3‑year work history and two references, where possible.

Legal right to work: Successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Candidates are encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for council sponsorship.

Key Accountabilities

• DAS management: maintain and update apprenticeship records.
• Learning Loans: manage learner loans and oversee the student loans portal.
• ILR Data Compliance: monitor learning progress and ensure accurate ILR data for monthly submissions, meeting all funding compliance requirements.
• Course Setup: set up and maintain apprenticeship course information on the Education Business System (Tribal EBS).
• Learner Monitoring: track apprentices’ breaks in learning, monthly reviews, and OTJ hours.
• Funding & Compliance Expertise: maintain a comprehensive understanding of apprenticeship funding rules, DfE and OfS regulations.
• Data Management & Integrity: maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records for Apprenticeships, Higher Skills and other funding streams, ensuring data integrity and reliability.
• Procedure Review: regularly review and update data management procedures to align with best practices and regulatory changes.
• Data Cleansing: conduct routine data cleansing activities to resolve identified issues.
• Collaboration: develop and foster strong internal and external partnerships (Curriculum, HR, Talent teams, service areas) and support MIS/Data team activities.
• Training & Development: attend relevant training to stay current with regulations and best practices.
• Technical Skills: use advanced Microsoft Excel and other IT tools to analyse, interpret, and present data effectively.
• Customer Service: deliver excellent customer‑focused support, responding promptly to queries and resolving issues.

About the Candidate

• Hold GCSE A*‑C / 9‑4 in English and Maths or equivalent, or willingness to achieve within two years.
• Strong IT skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• An apprenticeship relevant to the role (e.g., Business Administration, Team Leading, or Management) or an equivalent qualification, or willingness to achieve within two years.

Benefits and Working Environment

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays; increases to 31 days after five years of local government service; option to purchase up to two additional weeks.
• Large local government pension scheme with life cover of three‑times your salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave to provide ample time to bond with a newborn or support family.
• Access to a range of discounts – savings on shop, holidays, MCR+, phone contracts, cycle‑to‑work scheme, flu jabs and eye tests.
• Learning and growth opportunities – workshops, training sessions, apprenticeships and qualifications with a comprehensive onboarding process.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion – work in a truly diverse environment and support accessibility and disability‑friendly workplaces.
• Volunteering leave – up to 3 days pro‑rate of paid volunteering leave.

Pre‑Employment Checks

• Proof of right to work in the UK.
• References from current and previous employer(s).
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check – required depending on the role.

Points of Contact

For an informal discussion or to arrange a convenient time to discuss the role, please email Anita Beeharry. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview on Monday 16th February 2026.

Legal and Equality Statements

This is a DEI inclusive role and we are a Disability Confident Employer offering a workplace adjustment hub and specialist support networks. We guarantee assessment for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirement and belong to one of the following categories: Armed Forces members or veterans, current or former care leavers, or those with a disability or long‑term condition. All information adheres to accessibility standards and we are committed to an inclusive workplace.

Additional Information

Applications should be submitted on the Careers page. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we will source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. All application content must be truthful and factually accurate.