South West Durham Training
Person Specification/Job Description
Assessment of role for DBS checks
Regulated Activity  Specified Place
opportunity for contact with children
DBS Checks required:
Enhanced DBS check 
Barred List Children 
Barred List Adult 
Closing date for receipt of applications: Friday 8 April 2016 at 12.00 noon
Job Title:
Post No:
Operations Manager
Permanent position: 37.5 hours per week from April 2016
RS15/16/389
Grade:
£35,337.00 to £39,039.00
Responsible to:
Chief Executive
Supervisory
Responsibility:
All teaching and learning staff,
Responsible for:
The improvement of student performance within the curriculum, monitoring and review
of Key Performance Indicators (including recruitment, retention, achievement and
success) against National Benchmark) and taking corrective action/actions for
improvement as necessary
The day-to-day line management of a team of curriculum staff, including observation
and Performance Review in line with SWDT processes, as directed by the Chief
Executive.
Leading the development of teaching and learning methodologies within the
Curriculum.
The effectiveness and efficiency of the use of human and physical resources within
the curriculum area
Objective
To be accountable for leading the development of the Curriculum to maintain
‘Outstanding’
BACKGROUND
It is essential that the post holder is a highly motivated individual who is up-to-date with developments in their
occupational area and in current developments in teaching and learning. As an Operations Manager you will
be expected to act as a role model. All post holders are expected to consistently assess, review and evaluate
their own performance alongside colleagues and engage in positive and critical debate on pedagogic issues.
The Operations Manager must ensure all staff are committed to inclusive learning and that they undertake
the very best practice to meet individual learner needs, including the promotion of equality and diversity and
safeguarding. This job description will be reviewed annually during the appraisal process and could be varied
in the light of the changing business needs of the College.
The Operations Manager will be supported in their role by the Chief Executive and Bishop Auckland College
staff including; Advanced Practitioners, Director of Curriculum/ Director of Industry, Innovation and Skills and
the Senior Leadership and Management Team.
Page 1 of 7
February 2016
South West Durham Training
Person Specification/Job Description
Assessment of role for DBS checks
Regulated Activity  Specified Place
opportunity for contact with children
DBS Checks required:
Enhanced DBS check 
Barred List Children 
Barred List Adult 
Candidates for the post of Operations Manager must possess the following qualities:
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Where identified
Safeguarding Level 1 (to be
achieved within 6 weeks)
PREVENT training (or willing
to work towards within 6
weeks)
Application form
Certificates
Level 2 in Literacy (or willing to
work towards within 2 years)
Level 2 in Numeracy (or willing
to work towards within 2 years)
Level 4 qualification in
engineering manufacturing or
relevant area
A recognised teaching
qualification
Safeguarding L2
Level 5 or above qualification
in Engineering or
Manufacturing (or willing to
work towards within 2 years)
Assessor/Verifier awards
L5 or above qualification in
management.
L3 Qualification in Management
Experience
Significant teaching experience
4 years Industrial experience in
an Engineering/Manufacturing
environment
Experience of course coordination
Experience of leading teams
Experience of teaching on a
range of courses and at
different levels up to and
including Level 4.
Experience of submitting
courses for approval to
awarding bodies.
Application form
Interview
References
Experience of appraising
staff/undertaking performance
review
Trained in observation of
Teaching, Learning and
Assessment in line with the
new CIF
Experience of leading during
Ofsted inspection.
Experience of working with
external organisations/
agencies & stakeholders.
Effective financial management
of devolved budgets to meet
targets
Implementing strategies for
quality improvement and quality
assurance
Writing and presenting capital
bids to senior management/
executive board
Page 2 of 7
February 2016
South West Durham Training
Person Specification/Job Description
Assessment of role for DBS checks
Regulated Activity  Specified Place
opportunity for contact with children
DBS Checks required:
Enhanced DBS check 
Barred List Children 
Barred List Adult 
Knowledge and
Skills
Effective teacher, in a related
vocational discipline, with a
record of grade 1 / grade 2
learning observations
Awareness and understanding
of current curriculum and FE
reforms.
Must be methodical, accurate
and organised
An awareness of the range of
funding income streams
associated with the FE sector
Interview
References
Working knowledge of the
updated CIF
Extensive knowledge of the
Engineering/ Manufacturing
sectors and credibility to
engage with employers
Effective communicator and
team worker: motivates others
The ability to manage and
inspire staff
Conscientious: meets
deadlines and completes jobs
with minimum supervision
Computer literate with working
knowledge of Microsoft Office
and the Internet
Able to gather, analyse and
use complex information to
inform quality improvement
Personal Qualities A professional approach
Commitment to improving
quality of service.
Interview
Self motivated with the ability to
work under pressure.
Supporting and caring attitude
Customer service orientation:
putting learners’ first.
Page 3 of 7
February 2016
South West Durham Training
Person Specification/Job Description
Assessment of role for DBS checks
Regulated Activity  Specified Place
opportunity for contact with children
DBS Checks required:
Enhanced DBS check 
Barred List Children 
Barred List Adult 
Section A • Primary Responsibilities
1
SWDT Strategy
All members of staff have an important role to play in achieving the mission, aims and objectives stated
in the SWDT Development Plan.
2
Quality Matters
All members of staff are responsible for the quality of their own work and for the operation of the relevant
parts of the SWDT’s Quality System. This will involve operating the appropriate Quality procedures
applicable to the job to ensure that students, customers and clients have their needs and expectations
identified and fulfilled.
3
Staff Development
It is expected that all members of staff will participate in SWDT’s Staff Development Programme, aimed
at maximising staff potential for the individual’s benefit and in ensuring continual improvement in the
quality of services provided by SWDT and Bishop Auckland College.
4
Client Focus
All members of staff are expected to manage and develop their role and responsibilities so as to focus
on improving the centre services to students and other clients. The individual should represent and
market SDWT at any appropriate opportunity.
5
Overall Responsiveness
Working flexibly, efficiently and in full co-operation with other staff to maintain the highest professional
standards and to promote and implement the strategy and policies of the Corporation.
Ensure that established standards and targets are achieved as part of the efficient and effective service
provision within SWDT.
Undertaking such other duties and responsibilities as are required to provide the service expected from
the centre.
6
Health and Safety
All members of staff are responsible for ensuring safety within their working area, for ensuring that risk
assessments are carried out and that appropriate actions are taken if problems are identified. All staff
are required to assist the SWDT Health, Safety & Facilities Officer in the implementation of measures
to ensure that all health and safety requirements are achieved.
7
Risk Management
All members of staff will adopt best practices in the identification, evaluation and cost effective control
of risks to ensure, as far as possible, that they are eliminated or reduced to a level that is acceptable to
SWDT.
8
Safeguarding
All staff who teach, train or work regularly with children aged up to 18 and vulnerable adults are required
to comply fully with legislation and College policies and practices to ensure learners are safeguarded
and protected.
Page 4 of 7
February 2016
South West Durham Training
Person Specification/Job Description
Assessment of role for DBS checks
Regulated Activity  Specified Place
opportunity for contact with children
DBS Checks required:
Enhanced DBS check 
Barred List Children 
Barred List Adult 
Section B • Cross Faculty Management Responsibilities
Initial allocation of functions of which the post holder will have direct responsibility:
1
General Responsibilities
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2
Teach on a range of programmes, to an agreed annual target hours reflective of the size of the
Curriculum Area of responsibility.
Attend relevant meetings as directed by Chief Executive.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills relevant to role, through self-study and personal/
professional development and ensure knowledge and skills are disseminated with colleagues and
curriculum staff
Promote equal opportunities and implement the SWDT Equality and Diversity policy
Provide a secure, safe and friendly learning environment including implementation of the SWDT
Health and Safety Policy
Demonstrate active support for the SWDT organisational values
Complete all documents necessary to comply with SWDT HR policies in relation to supervised
staff, including sickness forms, appraisal forms, etc
Ensure the registration of learners and the claiming of certifications on the correct qualifications
and frameworks within the designated time frames.
Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required commensurate with this grade
Quality Improvement and Success
 Contribute to the South West Durham Training strategic plan and annual curriculum planning,
 Assist in the development and updating or the training centre risk register
 Develop a curriculum quality improvement plan which will ensure continuous improvements in
success rates and will take/ maintain the provision at ‘Outstanding’
 Take responsibility for the quality of teaching and learning in the curriculum area and for ensuring
that quality improvement is continuously addressed by curriculum staff
 Quality assurance of teaching, learning and assessment practices in line with the new C.I.F. and
as part of standards reviews.
 Contribute to the Curriculum Performance Review quality assurance process
 Use available data sets to monitor performance against trends and national benchmarks, and to
take action as necessary to address poor performance
 In liaison with the Chief Executive set targets for attendance, retention and success, and ensure
that staff strive to achieve these targets for the groups they are responsible for
 Coordinate the provision for robust assessment, IV/moderation across the curriculum area,
through liaison with the programme coordinators.
 Quality assurance and audit of curriculum documentation files, ensuring that VTA’s are keeping
accurate and up-to-date information.
 Ensure there is regular and systematic feedback and communication with students, parents,
employers and external agencies to inform quality improvement
 Lead the process of course review within the curriculum area, updating any recovery plans, action
plans or QIPs on a monthly basis.
 Contribution to SWDT SAR and centre Quality Improvement Plan, providing monthly reporting of
performance against action plan targets. Lead on Curriculum level analysis, Review of Teaching,
Learning and Assessment and Outcomes for Learners.
 To deal with external customer/student complaints
 Undertake audits of partner organisations to ensure SWDT quality standards are being met
 Produce weekly report/updates on curriculum level performance against KPI’s, including but not
limited to; starts, leavers, learner progress, past planned end, at risk register, attendance,
retention, predicted success rates and staff utilisation.
Page 5 of 7
February 2016
South West Durham Training
Person Specification/Job Description
Assessment of role for DBS checks
Regulated Activity  Specified Place
opportunity for contact with children
DBS Checks required:
Enhanced DBS check 
Barred List Children 
Barred List Adult 
3
Curriculum Leadership
Initial allocation of functions of which the post holder will have direct responsibility:
Planning and Resources
 Work with Chief Executive and Business Development Manager to ensure maximum funding and
efficiency in the planning of the funded curriculum portfolio
 Set up all courses through centralised MIS with support from BAC Registry
 Ensure all courses being delivered have been subject to the SWDT Course Approval procedure,
and that external AB approval has been received
 Work with Chief Executive to plan and implement course and staff timetables through central
SWDT timetabling system, so as to provide learners with an individualised, well-organised, high
quality learning experience
 Plan permanent and part-time staffing hours to meet targets and ensure staff utilisation is
maximised
 Effectively manage internal & external curriculum staff workloads to ensure utilisation is optimised.
 Contribute to the planning and review of SLA activity with BAC & external partner organisations.
Learner Recruitment and Progression
 Liaise with Recruitment Adviser and Bishop Auckland College functions to ensure effective and
efficient recruitment and progression of students
 Ensure curriculum staff attend promotional events, open evenings and activities and contribute to
the positive promotion of SWDT
 Ensure course information leaflets are accurate and up-to-date and accurately represent the
funded curriculum portfolio
 Liaise with Recruitment Adviser re interview and selection process and ensure appropriate
curriculum staff are involved as appropriate
 Undertake, contribute to and participate in marketing activities on behalf of SWDT
 Liaise with external organisations to facilitate enrichment and workplace programmes for students
 Liaise with employers to build new contacts and create new commercial business opportunities
 Coordinate the recording of planned and actual destinations for leaving learners.
Teaching and Learning Practice
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Ensure Session Plans and Schemes of Learning are in place for all courses across the area
Assist in the induction of new staff
Undertake student focus groups and elicit user feedback on the quality of teaching and learning
(including students, employers, parents and stakeholders)
Ensure materials/resources provided for learners are of high quality
Develop the quality and range of E-learning to address the FELTAG agenda
Learner Progress
 Continuous effective monitoring of learner progress, development and implementation of detailed
action/recovery plans to ensure all learners have the best opportunity to achieve and in a timely
manner.
 Coordinate the reporting of progress to external stakeholders.
Page 6 of 7
February 2016
South West Durham Training
Person Specification/Job Description
Assessment of role for DBS checks
Regulated Activity  Specified Place
opportunity for contact with children
DBS Checks required:
Enhanced DBS check 
Barred List Children 
Barred List Adult 
4
Staff Management
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Provide effective and efficient day-to-day leadership of vocational curriculum staff
Provide effective and efficient day-to-day leadership of curriculum support functions.
Monitor, support and develop staff through a range of activities
In liaison with BAC HR team, undertake annual Training Needs Analysis of teaching staff to
identify areas of potential development. Plan and ensure delivery of CPD as required.
Undertake annual and interim appraisal/performance review of line managed staff, setting agreed
objectives and development plans.
Undertake observations of TL&A, developing individualised action plans for teaching staff.
Support the recruitment and deployment of staff appropriately, effectively managing their
workload to achieve SWDT’s vision and goals
Ensure all required H&S audits, reviews and assessments are up to date
5
Finances
 Writing and presenting capital bids for curriculum development to the Chief Executive and the
executive board of SWDT
 Present and implement strategies for annual cost savings to consumables and overheads
associated to SWDT’s curriculum
 Manage devolved budgets (pay and none pay) related to the Curriculum efficiently, ensuring
maximum value for money from the deployment of SWDT funds
6
Engagement with external bodies
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Ensure that policies and practices take account of national guidance from bodies such as Ofsted
and the Department for Education
Lead on activity and coordination in relation to Ofsted inspection and any monitoring.
Assist the centre coordinator in preparation of and during awarding body monitoring visits.
Section C • General
This job description is current at the date shown below. However, in consultation with the post holder, it may
be liable to review and variation to reflect changes in the SWDT environment.
SWDT has an Equality and Diversity Policy and expects all members of staff to support the policy by behaving
in a non-discriminatory way in terms of employment, the curriculum and student entitlement. SWDT is
committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
All members of staff are expected to maintain a high level of security and confidentiality of information in their
work at all times.
March 2016
Name:…………………………………………………….
Signature…………………………………………………
Date……………………………………………………….
Page 7 of 7
February 2016