Assistant Manager - Vocational

Lead a team that transforms lives
Were looking for a motivated and experienced  Assistant Manager  to support the delivery of high-quality education within a prison environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role where you will help drive performance, support your team, and ensure learners receive an outstanding education that supports rehabilitation and future employability.
Working as part of the senior management team, youll support the  Education Manager  and play a key role in shaping curriculum delivery, improving outcomes, and maintaining high standards across the provision.
What youll be doing
Leadership & Operational Management
Support the Education Manager in overseeing  day-to-day operations  of the education department
Lead on curriculum delivery, learner management, and departmental performance
Deputise for the Education Manager when required
Manage learner induction, allocation, and conduct within education settings
Build strong internal and external partnerships to support learner success
Working across various curriculum areas such as Motor Mechanics, Art, P&D, Music, Media, PSD etc
Curriculum & Performance
Drive improvements in  recruitment, retention, achievement, and satisfaction
Set and monitor staff targets in line with  KPIs and contractual requirements
Support development of a  standardised curriculum  aligned to learner and employer needs
Work with awarding bodies to ensure qualifications meet quality standards
Quality Assurance & Improvement
Lead on quality assurance and continuous improvement within your curriculum area
Manage  IQA/EQA processes , observations, learning walks, and deep dives
Contribute to the Self-Assessment Report (SAR), Quality Improvement Plan (QIP), and budget planning
Use data (including MoJ MI systems) to review performance and drive improvements
Coach and support staff to improve teaching and learning practice
People Management & Development
Manage and support teaching and support staff through appraisal, probation, and CPD
Mentor and induct new staff, promoting a positive and high-performing culture
Coordinate CPD opportunities based on quality reviews and performance outcomes
Support recruitment activity to ensure roles are filled efficiently
Compliance & Delivery
Ensure all delivery meets  Ofsted, MoJ, and organisational standards
Promote safeguarding, equality, and inclusion
Comply with all prison security requirements
Deliver teaching sessions where required
Support wider operational needs, including class cover
What were looking for
Essential
Teaching qualification (Level 5 or above)
Maths and English Level 3
Internal Quality Assurance qualification (or willingness to achieve)
Significant teaching experience
Experience managing staff, curriculum delivery, and performance improvement
Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
Knowledge of  OFSTED EIF framework
Commitment to reducing reoffending through education
Desirable
Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager qualification
Experience in prison or adult education settings
Why join us?
Play a key leadership role in delivering education that supports  rehabilitation and life change
Develop your career within a supportive and ambitious management team
Help shape high-quality provision that improves learner outcomes
Access ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities
Our values
Were looking for leaders who demonstrate:
Customer First   improving lives through education
True North   acting with integrity
Own It   taking accountability
Improve to be the best   striving for excellence
Think big and take risks   driving innovation
Deliver Results   achieving high standards every day
Apply now
If youre ready to take the next step in your leadership career and make a meaningful difference through education, wed love to hear from you.