Assessment Delivery Manager

Job Title:
Assessment Delivery Manager

Location:
 ELS, Unit 1, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Harwell, Didcot.

Type
: Full time, 37.5 Hrs/week

Reports to:
 Director - ELS Assessment Organisation

Main purpose of the job

The purpose of this role is to lead the delivery for Apprenticeship Assessment across ELS apprenticeship standards, ensuring that ELS continues to provide a high quality, robust and cost-effective assessment service to all stakeholders including employers, training providers and Independent Apprenticeship Assessors (IAAs) and meets all regulatory responsibilities, including Ofqual's Conditions of Recognition, funding rules and the requirements set by Skills England within the apprenticeship assessment plans.

This role reports directly to the Assessment Organisation Director, working along-side other AO Delivery Managers, a Coordination Manager, IQAs and a Quality Manager.

This role sits at the centre of the ELS Assessment Organisation and provides invaluable support to the Assessment Organisation Director, working closely with AO managers and staff, other ELS internal departments, customers, partners, suppliers and the ELS apprenticeship assessment delivery teams, including our external associate independent assessors.

This role will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements are adhered to and met, maintaining high-quality standards, and achieving overall excellent customer satisfaction rates while meeting and exceeding department and contract performance KPIs.

The post holder will be an apprenticeship assessment ambassador for ELS, maintaining and building upon ELS's brand and reputation to ensure existing and new customers' needs and requirements are exceeded, whilst building a healthy assessment pipeline.

This is an office-based role with occasional 'working away from the office' permitted.

Main duties & key responsibilities

• Oversee the effective delivery of operations within the allocated budget, supporting the Director of the ELS AO by conducting financial analysis, reporting, and addressing any financial queries or concerns related to assessment services.
• Verify pricing and assessment information on Apprenticeship Assessment Agreements for accuracy and perform financial forecasting monthly, and analysis to facilitate budget planning.
• Assist in ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements by utilising the Ofqual Portal for necessary documentation and reporting.
• Ensure Ofqual's Conditions of Recognition are always adhered to.
• Utilise recording, monitoring, storing and retrieving systems and tools in Share Point, Moodle, and ACE360 platforms for weekly, monthly, quarterly reporting and tracking of assessment activities.
• Provide guidance and resolution to stakeholders in the event of complaints or appeals, offering support and assistance to assessors, in collaboration with IQAs.
• Participate in catch-up and progress meetings with customers to discuss progress and address any issues that may arise.
• Play an active role during contract start-up meetings by attending kick-start meetings and providing the necessary support.
• Lead weekly catch-up meetings  with the assessment delivery team, providing clear direction and support. (Shared responsisbility between managers)
• Manage Assessors (full-time, part-time and associates), offering guidance, support, and performance feedback to ensure optimal performance.
• Allocate workload, set targets, and closely monitor individual and team performance to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of assessment services.
• Conduct staff one to ones, conducting probationary reviews and annual performance reviews with the support of the AO Director (when needed)
• Support with on-boarding new assessors.
• Apply for new and updated apprenticeship standards through the Ofqual Portal
• Uphold and ensure compliance with assessment criteria, regulations, and guidelines set by the Department of Education, Skills England, Ofqual, regulatory authorities, and industry standards.
• Stay up to date with changes in assessment practices, qualifications, and regulations to ensure compliance and alignment with industry standards.
• Ensure assessment records and documentation are accurate and follow relevant standards and procedures.
• Work in collaboration with and support the Assessment Coordinator Manager to ensure efficient scheduling and allocation of assessments, considering factors such as assessor availability, customer requirements, and regulatory timelines.
• Identify training and development needs of assessors and coordinate suitable learning opportunities. For coordinators relate onto Coordinator Manager.
• Provide regular performance updates to the AO Director
• Ensure any identified risks to contracts, ELS, staff or our AO status and reputation are discussed and recorded.
• Attend managers' meetings (when asked) to provide updates, share insights, and contribute to strategic discussions.
• Deliver presentations at the Directors Meetings quarterly (when needed), highlighting key achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
• Support with the D&D work, ensuring accuracy of information.
• Be a Responsible Officer to Ofqual on behalf of the ELS AO and as a support mechanism to the AO Director.
• Assist the AO Director and team with any additional activities in line with business needs.

Qualifications / experience

Essential

• Educated to GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) and above including English and Maths
• Ability to undergo and gain a UK Security check
• CAVA – working towards or achieved

Desired

• IQA qualification

Skills and attributes

Essential

• Proven experience in financial analysis, budget planning, and reporting.
• Experience in a similar role, preferably in the education, training, or assessment sector.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks related to apprenticeship assessment.
• Experience in managing/mentoring teams and coordinating workflow to ensure timely and high-quality service delivery.
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, budget management, and forecasting.
• Familiarity with assessment criteria, guidelines, and industry standards for Apprenticeship Assessment services.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent and effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Leadership skills to guide and support a team.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Proficiency in relevant software platforms for documentation and reporting.
• Commitment to quality and compliance in Apprenticeship Assessment service delivery.
• Proactive and results-oriented mindset.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Continuous learning mindset.
• Excellent presentation skills.

Desired

• Qualified in Prince 2 Project Management

Package:

Holidays: 22 days + 3 days paid shutdown between Christmas & New Year + all public holidays

Pension: 5% employee, 3% Employer contribution

Other benefits
:

• Specsavers Discount Vouchers
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Reward Gateway- Employee Discount Platform
• Cycle to Work Scheme