Test Center Manager (Guildford)

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 Guildford 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 reliable and flexible. Can work late and early weekends - 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 escalate 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 SharePoint.

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.
• Exceptional customer service skills
• 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.