Join The Opportunity Provider - Transform Lives, Shape Futures!
Location: Hybrid
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £35,000 - £38,000
The Role
As a Functional Skills Manager, you will lead the strategic and operational development of Functional Skills and wider essential skills across The Opportunity Provider. The post-holder will ensure all learners, including apprentices, adult learners, and those with SEND or barriers to learning, achieve, belong and thrive, in line with Ofsted’s 3 Key Principles.
* Develop, implement and review a provider‑wide English, maths and digital skills strategy aligned with the Ofsted 2025 inspection framework, Post‑16 Skills White Paper priorities, ESFA funding rules and Awarding Organisation requirements.
* Lead targeted quality improvement initiatives to raise standards, timely outcomes and learner experience in relation to English, maths and digital skills.
* Analyse performance data and report trends, risks and areas for improvement to SLT, operational leaders and governance.
* Conduct learning walks, observations, work scrutiny and case sampling aligned to Ofsted evaluation areas to evaluate the quality of English, maths and digital skills curriculum implementation.
* Line manage the Functional Skills Specialist (FSS) team, providing clear expectations, coaching, and performance management.
* Ensure high‑quality and consistent delivery of all processes including diagnostics, progress checks, mock exams, resit strategies, marking and exam readiness.
* Design and deliver CPD that builds vocational trainers’ confidence and capability to:
o embed English, maths and digital skills effectively
o identify learner needs early
o use assessment to adapt teaching
o meet the needs of disadvantaged learners, those with SEND and those requiring Additional Specialist Learning (ASL) support
* Work with curriculum leaders to ensure English, maths and digital content is relevant, contextualised, and aligned with employer, qualification and local labour‑market needs.
About You
We’re looking for a competent and confident individual with an excellent understanding of Functional Skills. You’ll also need the following skills and experience:
* A Level 5+ teaching qualification, with hands on teaching experience of teaching English, maths and digital skills
* Experience of leadership and management in further education
* Ability to analyse data and translate it into improvement action.
* Strong curriculum planning and pedagogical knowledge.
* Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
* An understanding of regulations and requirements (such as ESFA funding rules and regulations, Apprenticeship Accountability Framework, Ofsted toolkit, High Quality Apprenticeship and Awarding Organisation specifications)
* A SEND qualification would be highly desirable.
Why Work With Us?
At The Opportunity Provider, your professional growth is our priority. We’ll support you with further qualifications, continuous development, and a collaborative team environment where your work makes a tangible difference.
* Starting salary from £35,000 + tax‑free bonus
* 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays), plus a day off for your birthday
* Option to buy/sell up to 5 additional leave days
* Healthcare cash plan, dental plan, and 24/7 GP access
* Enhanced sick pay and life insurance
* Mileage and travel expense reimbursement
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, as we are dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
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