Head of Apprenticeship Quality

Join to apply for the Head of Apprenticeship Quality role at The Manchester Metropolitan University The Manchester Met’s Apprenticeships Unit leads the development, recruitment, and delivery of degree apprenticeships across the University. As Head of Apprenticeship Quality, you’ll join a forward‑thinking senior leadership team within a sector‑leading unit. In 2022, we were awarded Outstanding by Ofsted in all categories—a testament to our commitment to excellence, reflected in consistently high satisfaction ratings from both employers and apprentices. Our programme has grown over the past decade, working with over 700 employers—from global corporate and public sector organisations to innovative SMEs—to deliver high‑quality, industry‑relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications to more than 3,000 apprentices. Our success is driven by strong partnerships with academic colleagues and employer partners, ensuring our programmes remain responsive to industry needs, academically rigorous, and genuinely impactful. About the role Are you passionate about leading quality and innovation in apprenticeships? This role asks you to shape the future of apprenticeship quality at the university. As Head of Quality, you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring our apprenticeship provision remains outstanding and fully compliant with regulatory requirements. You’ll lead on quality assurance, regulatory alignment, and continuous improvement across all apprenticeship programmes, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to uphold the highest standards. Key responsibilities Providing strategic leadership on the quality of our apprenticeship training and assessment, aligned with the University’s Apprenticeship Strategy, Education Strategy, and Road to 2030. Leading teams to ensure full compliance with DFE, Ofsted, OfS, and other regulatory frameworks. Building and sustaining strong partnerships with employers, academic colleagues, and professional services teams. Supporting academic teams to deliver high‑performing, impactful apprenticeship programmes with excellent success rates. Collaborating across the University to embed systems and processes that reduce risk and enhance the apprentice journey. About the candidate We particularly welcome applicants with experience as an Ofsted Inspector or equivalent, with up‑to‑date knowledge of apprenticeships in a Higher Education setting. You should have a strong track record of leading and motivating teams to deliver high‑quality provision, and proven experience in managing educational projects or programmes, ensuring successful outcomes. Demonstrating a collaborative mindset and the ability to influence and inspire across diverse teams is essential. To apply Applications must be made via our recruitment system and should include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria, limited to no more than two pages of A4. Provisional interview date Monday 5 January 2026 For an initial informal enquiry, please contact James Walker, Director of Apprenticeships at james.w.walker@mmu.ac.uk. Inclusive and equitable workplace Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria. Job details Seniority level: AssociateEmployment type: Full‑timeJob function: ManagementIndustry: Higher Education #J-18808-Ljbffr