At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage test centre operations and ensure a high-quality exam experience for candidates.
- Company: Join Pearson, the global leader in learning and testing solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in learners' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 40,000 employees in more than 80 countries helping people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives.
We have a simple mission: to help people make more of their lives through learning.
Pearson provides a range of education products and services to institutions, governments and direct to individual learners that help people everywhere aim higher and fulfil their true potential.
Pearson VUE is a business within Pearson PLC and is the global leader in computer-based testing for information technology, academic, government and professional testing programs around the world.
Pearson VUE provides a full suite of services from test development to data management and delivers exams through the world’s most comprehensive and secure network of test centres in more than 175 countries.
Pearson Professional Centres (PPCs) are part of an international network of computer-based testing centres, which deliver quality examinations in a highly secure environment.
Pearson VUE has a wide range of clients and a comprehensive suite of tests, which require a variety of approaches for both test type and method of delivery.
The appointed individual will perform the administration and invigilation of exams; this includes understanding, implementing and taking ownership of all aspects of the operational policies and procedures of all examination processes.
The individual will also demonstrate a high level of customer service to candidates and be responsible for the continual enhancement of the brand image.
- Working Arrangements
- You will be based in Birmingham West PPC.
- Some local travel to other PPC’s or temporary locations may be required.
- A flexible approach to working is essential for this position as opening hours will vary according to the volume of tests booked.
- Must be flexible and reliable - Saturdays and some evenings required.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Line manager for all test centre staff regarding employee relations, training & development, absence management and performance management
- Support the Regional Manager in recruitment issues and conduct staff interviews as required.
- Carry out 1-2-1 meetings, Performance Reviews and Development Reviews with staff as required.
- Maintain and update local site administration and documentation.
- Ensure all compliance standards relating to the test centre operation and Pearson VUE stringent security protocols are adhered to.
- Ensure personal responsibility for understanding and delivery of testing following updates and changes to client requirements / testing, as they occur.
- Create draft site staffing schedules, and collect test centre time keeping records, for communication to the Regional Manager
- Create and send other reports and information as requested by the Regional Manager
- Serve as the local contact point for operations, building management, site security, deliveries, vendors, etc., and elevate issues to the Regional Manager as appropriate.
- Verify correct staffing levels are maintained according to plan and notify the Regional Manager of all staffing issues.
- Oversee overall day‑to‑day operation of the PPC, and co‑ordinate activities and instructions from Regional Managers and other Test Centre Management
- Monitor supplies inventory and order inventory when applicable within budget guidelines.
- All employees have a responsibility to co‑operate in promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment, and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety at work and that of all other staff that may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Line managers have specific responsibility for the health and safety of their direct reports and other team members for which they have general management responsibility.
- All employees are also responsible for supporting and implementing the company’s policies and procedures around the Health and Safety, Security, Quality and Business Continuity arrangements that apply in their role/work function.
Full details of these policies and procedures are available on Share Point.
- Key Activities
- Always provide a high level of customer service in the test centres
- Ensure candidate needs are met with understanding and respect.
- Maintain professional relationships with client representatives.
- Ensure equipment is operational and test stations are free of extraneous materials.
- Review transmission and error logs in locally operating software, to ensure proper functioning (including schedule download and results upload processes)
- Periodic download and review of examinations and test centre schedules
- Review test schedule and prepare for candidate(s), including those that may have special needs.
- Sign candidates in (including verification of candidate identity) according to Pearson VUE and client sign-in procedures.
- As required, explain the test process to candidates and deal with other queries
- Understand testing needs and procedures for each client.
- Ensure the integrity and security of the tests are maintained and that they are supervised to the required standard.
- Comply with all incident reporting and escalation procedures.
- If applicable, print and provide post-test score reports to candidates.
- If applicable, schedule appointments for possible call-in and / or walk-in candidates
- Communicate / work with Pearson VUE technical support staff to investigate and fix technical issues.
- Maintain own competencies in all of the systems and procedures and request training as necessary.
- Adhere to all Company policies and procedures as noted in the formal documentation, especially IT, HR and Security
- Undertake all accreditations and skills checks as required by the business.
- Support and deliver any events and alternative test delivery processes as defined, both in permanent and temporary locations
- Ensure all hours are recorded and authorised within Company guidelines.
- Comply with business needs on a day-to-day basis.
- Assist and support with business initiatives to maximise centre profitability.
- Perform other administrative tasks as required.
- Perform daily test centre opening and closing procedures.
- Help to ensure a clean, professional, quiet testing atmosphere in the centre
- Undertake reasonable additional duties to ensure the smooth running of the test centre
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Experience in a customer facing role.
- Experience of coordinating and administering activities of a team
- Strong administration and reporting skills
- Able to function as a representative and professional contact point for internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong communication skills both written and verbal, in both technical and functional areas
- Able to work independently as well as part of a team
- Must enjoy working with people, be comfortable in a quiet environment, have effective time management skills, and be able to work effectively under pressure
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills are required
- Must be Pearson VUE certified for a Testing Administrator and pass a re-certification annually to ensure that skills are kept current and problem areas identified
- PC literate, comfort with the use of a full range of Microsoft Office and Windows applications
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
- Experience in a testing environment.
Who we are
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning.
We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough.
We are the world's lifelong learning company.
For us, learning isn't just what we do.
It's who we are.
To learn more: We are Pearson.
Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify.
Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law.
We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.
If you are an individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career site as a result of your disability, you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing Talent Experience Global Team@grp. pearson. com.
Job
Test Center Operations
Job Family
LEARNING&CONTENT_DELIVERY
Organization
- Assessment & Qualifications
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Test Center Manager (Birmingham, West) employer: Pearson
Pearson Edexcel is an excellent employer that values the expertise of its staff, offering a flexible ad-hoc role that allows for a balanced work-life dynamic. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to resources and training that enhance their skills while contributing to the educational success of students in the North East. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Test Center Manager (Birmingham, West)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Pearson. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Pearson before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Test Center Manager (Birmingham, West)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Pearson:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Pearson specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Pearson!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.