Training and Improvement Manager

Training and Improvement Manager

Reports to: Head of Systems and Programme Management

Location: West London – currently operating an agile working policy with two core days (Mon and Weds) in the office

Contract: Permanent

Pattern: Full Time (standard hours 9am – 5.30pm)

Closing date: 18/03/2024 at 10am

Interviews: Interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised

Salary: £40,000 to £55,000 (depending on experience)

The Training and Improvement Manager is a pivotal role within our organisation, designed to bridge the Systems Support Team and the Project Management Office (PMO) to foster departmental and EdTech improvement initiatives. This role combines the analytical rigor of Business Analysis with the strategic vision required to guide Training and development efforts across the organisation.

About the role:

As a key member of the department's senior leadership team, the Training and Improvement Manager will be instrumental in shaping the strategy, core values, and Improvement plans. The role demands a proactive approach to leading EdTech training programs, including the management of a comprehensive training calendar. Leveraging both internal and external resources, the Training and Improvement Manager will ensure effective training delivery, directly contributing to Ark’s success.

A significant focus over the next 12 months will be the implementation of Bromcom Management Information System (MIS) across all Primary schools. This initiative will require the Training and Improvement Manager to employ their expert MIS knowledge in a hands-on capacity, facilitating training sessions and supporting manual data entry efforts as necessary.

Additionally, the role encompasses mentoring responsibilities, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the systems support team in collaboration with the Systems Support Team Leader. Together, they will craft a training matrix and implement strategies to elevate the customer experience for schools.

Change management expertise will be leveraged to support both the PMO and Systems Support Team, guiding them through transformational initiatives with a steady and informed hand.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Systems Support Team and PMO to drive departmental and EdTech improvements
• Engage actively with schools and central stakeholders to identify opportunities for enhancements in system functionalities and process efficiencies. Analyse and synthesise these insights to present actionable recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to the strategic project pipeline formulation
• Manage internal and external training delivery resources effectively
• Play a critical role in the MIS implementation project across Primary schools, providing Training and data entry support
• Mentor and develop the systems support team in partnership with the Systems Support Team Leader
• Service Improvement: Collaborate with the Support Manager to review and propose enhancements to the Field Data Manager service, KPI reporting and support development journey; aiming to elevate service quality and efficiency

Key Requirements:

• Educated to degree level
• Proven experience in a Training and development leadership role, ideally within a Multi Academy Trust or school setting
• Demonstrated expertise in MIS, specifically with Bromcom MIS, is essential
• Experience in strategic planning and collaboration as part of a senior leadership team
• Ability to leverage both internal and external resources for training programs. Adaptability to changing circumstances and evolving educational needs
• Skilled in mentoring team members, fostering growth, and enhancing service delivery. A commitment to developing others’ capabilities
• A focus on improving the customer experience, especially within an educational context. Empathy for end-users (teachers, administrators, etc.)
• Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Data-driven insights are essential for effective improvement initiatives
• Understanding of the educational landscape, including managing projects and initiatives aimed at school improvement. Awareness of statutory requirements and educational best practices
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for conducting regular meetings, advocating for requirements, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders

About Ark

We’re an international charity, transforming lives through education. We exist to give every young person, regardless of their background, a great education and real choices in life. In the UK, we’re a network of 39 schools, educating around 30,000 pupils in areas where we can make the biggest difference and we’re recognised as one of the highest achieving academy groups in the country. We want to change the lives of children everywhere, not just in our own schools. So, we create and incubate Ventures designed not only to help pupils in Ark schools, but also to improve education systems.

You’ll be joining a group of like-minded, ambitious individuals who work collaboratively and are all committed to our core mission, that every child has the potential to succeed. Having just celebrated our 20^th anniversary, we are shaping our goals for the next 20 and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with each year of service up to 30 days after 3-years’ service. This entitlement is pro rata for part time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year
• Hybrid working, with currently two days a week in our state-of-the-art office in West London working alongside colleagues
• Regular social events, monthly free breakfast, and daily fruit
• A flexible approach to working with understanding and consideration for work life balance and personal commitments
• As an Ark employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to. Depending on your role you may also be entitled to LGPS which is a defined benefit scheme where you contribute a percentage based on how much you earn (as do we) in exchange for a guaranteed amount in your pension pot every year
• Access to high-quality professional learning throughout your career, offering both face-to-face sessions and a bespoke online learning platform
• Access to Ark Rewards scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers, interest-free loans available for season tickets or a bike, gym discounts offering up to 40% off your local gym and free eye tests

How to Apply:

Apply with a CV and cover letter on our online recruitment portal. Applications to be submitted by Monday 18^th March 2024 at 10am but please note: we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this advert may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response.

This ATS application form should take no longer 20 minutes to complete. At any time, you can pause, save, and log back in. If you have any difficulty with meeting the deadline for application, please contact recruitment@arkonline.org

Interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.