Centre Manager

Centre Manager – SEND Education & Training Centre

Location: Basildon

Salary: £37,000 – £42,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Working Pattern: Monday–Thursday, 8:45am–5:30pm; Friday, 8:45am–1:15pm

The Role

We are looking for an organised, motivated and solution-focused Centre Manager to lead a SEND education and training centre in Basildon.

This is a key leadership position responsible for the effective management of the centre team, day-to-day operations and curriculum delivery. You will play an integral role in driving learner achievement, success and progression, while ensuring the centre operates effectively and sustainably.

You will provide strategic leadership to the team, build strong relationships with local stakeholders and referral agencies, and identify opportunities to strengthen the centre's presence and growth within the local community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the education and training centre team, implementing the organisation's vision and curriculum.

• Provide strategic and effective leadership to ensure the operational success of the centre.

• Manage and support staff effectively, creating a positive and high-performing team environment.

• Develop and maintain effective local and national relationships to support centre growth.

• Attend network meetings with referral agencies and local authorities to ensure the centre is well positioned to meet stakeholder needs.

• Work closely with tutors to ensure learners receive high-quality education across all programmes.

• Oversee learner behaviour management and attendance monitoring.

• Manage the learner recruitment process and work towards achieving centre capacity.

• Effectively manage the EHCP process, ensuring learner targets are monitored and achieved.

• Ensure safeguarding concerns are acted upon promptly and reported appropriately.

• Monitor centre KPIs and provide regular reports to the Director of Youth Programmes.

• Monitor and manage centre finances in conjunction with the finance department.

• Build strong relationships with learners, young people and their families.

• Promote the centre within the local community and identify opportunities for continued development and growth.

Skills and Experience

We are looking for an experienced education professional with strong leadership skills and a genuine commitment to supporting young people with SEND.

You will ideally have:

• Experience managing teams within an educational setting.

• SEN qualifications and relevant experience.

• Strong experience and understanding of EHCPs.

• A background in further education, either with a training provider or college.

• Experience managing administrative responsibilities and ensuring operational tasks are delivered successfully.

• A Level 3 management qualification or above is desirable.

• A Quality Assurance qualification is desirable, or you should be willing to work towards one.

• Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

• The ability to provide effective strategic leadership and motivate others.

• A proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to manage competing priorities.

• The ability to build effective relationships with learners, families, local authorities, referral agencies and other stakeholders.

• A strong understanding of safeguarding and the responsibilities involved in working with children and young people.

• A commitment to equality, inclusion and positive outcomes for learners.