About Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University is a dynamic institution, dedicated to providing outstanding education and conducting impactful research. Located in the heart of Manchester, the University is a hub of innovation and creativity, committed to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and sustainability.

With over 5,100 staff members and around 43,000 students, Manchester Met consists of a passionate, confident, and ambitious community. They are proud to be at the heart of one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities, and with shared traditions of industry, innovation, and inclusivity, their impact reaches around the globe.

The role

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an ambitious and accomplished Director of Apprenticeships to join the Professional Services Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead Manchester Met’s high performing Degree Apprenticeships provision, combining strategic vision with a track record of successful development and operational delivery.

Through your collaborative leadership, proactive partner relationships and passion for Degree Apprenticeships you will consolidate their success and build for the future.

Principal Accountabilities

You will be responsible for the overall strategic development, implementation and delivery of higher and degree apprenticeships across the University, working in close partnership with senior academic and Professional Services leaders to proactively drive performance.

You will provide dynamic strategic leadership and effective management to the high performing Apprenticeships Unit, leading and supporting the Apprenticeships Senior Management Team in the delivery of the Apprenticeships Strategy and its associated objectives.

You will develop, support, and maintain successful partnerships with employers, external agencies, and academic and Professional Services departments to ensure effective delivery of apprenticeships, raising the profile of Degree Apprenticeships locally, regionally, national and internationally, in line with University Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Participate in the senior leadership of the University, influencing decision making, ensuring the Apprenticeships Unit’s understanding of academic and Professional Services direction and objectives.
• Lead the development of the Directorate’s 3–5-year strategic plan and resource requirements.
• Develop and maintain successful partnerships with external agencies such as the ESFA, DfE, IfATE, Skills England, Universities UK, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Greater Manchester organisations and other professional establishments and employers to develop Degree Apprenticeship programmes.
• Collaborate with senior colleagues, committees, and external partners, using initiative, creativity, judgement and analysis to oversee the identification of new areas for development of programmes across the University, and support and foster these innovative projects.

Person Specification

• Significant and successful strategic and operational leadership and people management experience within the Higher Education sector, with a proven ability to deliver.
• Extensive knowledge and leadership of higher and degree apprenticeships, legislation and best practice.
• Ability to network, collaborate, and influence stakeholders with an aptitude for developing and maintaining impactful relationships across a diverse community of colleagues and external partners.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of the context within which UK Higher Education operates, including policy, funding and regulatory bodies and their requirements.

Further information and how to apply

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Liam Young – Liam.Young@berwickpartners.co.uk

Deadline for submission of applications is Sunday 27 October 2024. Interviews will be held on Friday 13^th December 2024.