At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support Academy teams to create outstanding learning experiences for trainees.
- Company: Guide Dogs Academy, dedicated to training future Guide Dog Trainers and Mobility Specialists.
- Benefits: Flexible work options, travel opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with extensive travel and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help shape the future of guide dog training.
- Qualifications: Experience in people management and large-scale learning programmes required.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
Your region covers a large area and includes Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. The role will therefore require extensive travel and overnight stays. You will also be required to travel to various meetings and development days across the UK several times a year. When not travelling your work can be undertaken from home or from your local Guide Dogs office.
Guide Dogs Academy is looking for a Regional Academy Manager to lead and support our Academy teams across our northern region, helping to create an outstanding learning experience for trainees while ensuring the needs of the people we support remain at the heart of everything we do.
About the role
You'll be managing a team of Technical Learning Specialists who work day to day on site with their cohort of up to three learners who are training to become our Guide Dog Trainers and Guide Dog Mobility Specialists of the future. Working closely with operational colleagues from across Guide Dogs and the Academy Core Team you'll focus on supporting learners through their learning journey, ensuring high-quality training, consistent standards and positive outcomes for both our learners and service users. This is a leadership role where you'll bring people together, build strong partnerships, use data and insight to drive improvements, and help create an environment where people can learn, develop and thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop your team of Technical Learning Specialists
- Ensure a high-quality, inclusive learner experience.
- Monitor learner progress and support development.
- Partner with operational teams and stakeholders to drive learner success.
- Use data and feedback to improve quality and performance.
- Promote compliance, safeguarding, health & safety, and best practice.
- Take ownership of learner outcomes and the impact on service delivery.
About You
You'll be an experienced people manager who enjoys developing others and helping teams achieve their full potential. You'll be comfortable influencing a range of stakeholders, making decisions using data and insight, and leading change in a collaborative way. You'll also bring:
- Experience of implementing, managing and ensuring continuous improvement for learners on a large-scale learning programme (e.g. an apprenticeship)
- A strong understanding of learning, development and capability building.
- Experience working collaboratively across different teams and functions.
- The ability to analyse information and use it to improve performance and outcomes.
- Strong organisational, planning and communication skills.
- A commitment to continuous improvement and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Assessment Dates
We'll be holding a series of short telephone interviews on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th August for shortlisted candidates. If successful following the telephone screening you'll be invited to an in person assessment day on Thursday 3rd or Friday 4th September in Newcastle.
If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process please contact Helen Crowther, Academy Recruiting Manager.
Regional Academy Manager employer: The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both its employees and the dogs in their care. Located in the picturesque Royal Leamington Spa, the National Breeding Centre provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave and a flexible benefits pot, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about animal welfare.
Contact Details:
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Academy Manager
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Academy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Regional Academy Manager role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
