Quality Manager

Job Summary

This strategic and hands-on leadership role is responsible for driving academic excellence, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement across all TrainPlus education and training provisions. Reporting directly to the Director, you will oversee the Quality Assurance framework—ensuring full alignment with Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) standards, Awarding Organisation requirements, and Apprenticeship funding rules. As the operational lead for Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), you will manage, coach, and support IQAs and Assessors, conducting rigorous teaching and learning observations, auditing e-portfolios, and maintaining robust progress tracking systems. You will act as the key custodian of educational standards, ensuring every learner receives high-quality provision and achieves positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

1) Internal Quality Assurance & Ofsted Readiness

• Lead, design, and execute the annual Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) strategy across all Apprenticeship Standards and commercial qualifications.
• Maintain full inspection readiness against the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF), leading self-assessment report (SAR) inputs and Quality Improvement Plans (QIP).
• Act as the primary point of contact for Awarding Organisations (AOs), managing External Quality Assurance (EQA), External Examiner (EE), and Standards Verifier (SV) visits to ensure zero critical sanctions.
• Develop, update, and embed quality assurance policies, procedures, and standardised templates across the delivery team.
• Lead standardisation meetings to provide functional leadership, guidance, and standardised practice across the team of IQAs and Assessors.
• Always uphold GDPR and data security standards.

2) Teaching, Learning & Assessment (TLA) Excellence

• Plan and conduct a structured schedule of remote and in-person Teaching, Learning, and Assessment (TLA) observations across all assessors and delivery staff.
• Provide constructive, actionable feedback following observations, identifying strengths and targeted development areas.
• Design, implement, and track tailored staff support and development plans to resolve underperformance and promote continuous professional development (CPD).
• Facilitate regular staff training sessions and best-practice workshops focused on innovative pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment methods
• Monitor and analyse action plans created by assessors to ensure prompt resolution of delivery or compliance issues.

3) Portfolio Governance & System Quality Control

• Perform routine, risk-based audits of learner e-portfolios within SmartAssessor to guarantee compliance, progress tracking, and high-quality feedback.
• Design, maintain, and refine bespoke operational quality trackers and Excel dashboards to provide real-time reporting on delivery health.
• Audit End-Point Assessment (EPA) readiness and gateway documentation to ensure high first-time pass rates and compliant progression.

4) Learner Progress, ALS & Intervention Strategy

• Track and analyse off-track learners across all programmes, coordinating targeted interventions with delivery staff to minimise early dropouts and underachievement.
• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of Additional Learning Support (ALS) and SEND adjustments to ensure compliance and tailored support for diverse learner needs.
• Evaluate the impact of ALS provisions regularly, collaborating with the Student Support Officer and assessors to adapt support strategies as required.
• Review progress data alongside the Director to drive proactive interventions for high-risk employer cohorts or specific programmes.

5) General

• Represent TrainPlus professionally during external audits, stakeholder reviews, and Awarding Body engagements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Ofsted EIF changes, apprenticeship funding rules, and sector qualifications.
• Support wider business growth by ensuring new programmes meet internal quality and compliance benchmarks prior to rollout.
• Any other duties commensurate with the role.

Person Specification

Essential

• Substantial experience in a Quality Management or Senior IQA role within further education, apprenticeships, or work-based learning.
• In-depth knowledge of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and Awarding Body EQA/SV requirements.
• Proven track record of conducting TLA observations (both remote and in-person) and implementing effective staff support plans.
• Strong analytical skill set with advanced working knowledge of Excel and data reporting models.
• Thorough understanding of Additional Learning Support (ALS), SEND requirements, Safeguarding, and Prevent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver constructive feedback assertively and diplomatically.

Desirable

• Working experience with SmartAssessor e-portfolio and PICS MIS systems.
• Experience designing quality monitoring templates, auditing frameworks, and SAR/QIP documentation from scratch.
• Formally qualified Assessor and Internal Verifier (e.g. CAVA, TAQA Level 4 IQA, V1, D32/33/34 or equivalent.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to conduct occasional on-site observations or attend audits as required.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2-week Christmas break
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD), training, and funded qualifications.
• Pension scheme
• Summer and Christmas Outings
• Work-based travel compensation (e.g. travelling to meetings; not to work in the morning)

This position offers an engaging environment where your expertise will directly influence service excellence and organisational success. We value professionalism, dedication, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement in quality standards.

Pay: £38,000.00-£42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Free parking

Work Location: In person