Director of Apprenticeships

About us 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, we are a passionate, confident, and ambitious community. We 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, our 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 our 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 our 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 **Please do not apply for this vacancy via the University website. All applications should be directed to our retained advisors, Berwick Partners via this link - Interview Date – Friday 13 December 2024. Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to equality and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.