At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and management of FE and Skills systems for a top university.
- Company: Join the University of Derby, a modern institution committed to excellence and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while enhancing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FE, Skills, or Apprenticeship systems and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36977 - 36977 £ per year.
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location. We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
The Skills and Apprenticeships team plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of the University's Further Education, Skills and Apprenticeship provision. The team is responsible for ensuring the integrity of learner records, compliance with funding and regulatory requirements, management information reporting, and the effective operation of specialist FE and Skills systems.
As Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead, you will act as the business owner for FE and Skills systems, providing oversight of systems, processes, data quality and compliance. You will work closely with Digital Solutions & Services (DS&S) and key stakeholders across the University to ensure systems are fit for purpose, support regulatory and funding requirements and deliver high-quality management information.
Key responsibilities in this role include:
- Leading the strategic development, enhancement and continuous improvement of the University's FE and Skills systems.
- Overseeing data integrity, quality assurance and compliance.
- Acting as the key business lead for system changes, integrations and developments.
- Driving process improvement, standardisation and automation to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Providing functional leadership and direction across FE and Skills systems support activities.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to influence the future direction of a critical area of University operations, helping to deliver transformation, improve efficiency and ensure the continued success of Skills and Apprenticeships provision.
We are seeking an experienced systems, data or service professional with a strong understanding of FE, Skills or Apprenticeship administration and a proven appreciation of the importance of regulatory compliance, data integrity and effective business processes. You will be confident working with complex systems and datasets, translating operational requirements into practical solutions and driving continuous service improvement.
The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to assess risk, balance priorities and understand wider business impacts. You will be confident working independently, taking the initiative to lead service enhancements and support organisational transformation.
Experience required includes:
- Significant experience of working with FE, Skills, Apprenticeship or Student Records systems within a Higher Education, Further Education or Skills environment.
- Experience of managing or leading activities relating to data quality, compliance, regulatory reporting or systems governance.
- Experience managing, developing or improving complex business systems.
Skills, knowledge & abilities:
- Strong understanding of data integrity and quality, governance and compliance and regulatory impact.
- Ability to assess risk, impact and priorities across a service area.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
The University of Derby is committed to fostering an open, inclusive and diverse community where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We are committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex or sexual orientation.
At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities.
Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead employer: University of Derby
The University of Derby is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in IT service delivery. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to professional growth opportunities and a generous benefits package, all while contributing to a vibrant academic community dedicated to enhancing user systems and maintaining high security standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead
✨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 University of Derby 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 University of Derby. 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 Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Skills and Apprenticeships Systems Lead 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 University of Derby, 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 University of Derby
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at University of Derby, 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 University of Derby, 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.
