Job Description

About the Role

As Curriculum Manager, you will lead all aspects of apprenticeship programme delivery from curriculum design and quality assurance to regulatory compliance and team development. You'll play a critical role in aligning our operations with strategic goals, empowering our delivery teams, and ensuring our programmes reflect Mercury's core values:

professionalism, integrity, inclusivity, continuous improvement

, and

learner-first practice

.

You must have hands-on experience with Ofsted inspections and DfE (formerly ESFA) audits. You'll be confident responding to inspectors, managing audit-ready evidence trails, and producing self-assessment reports and quality improvement plans.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

Embed clarity and consistency across delivery operations. Align curriculum activity with Mercury's strategic goals. Support self-sufficiency by empowering Sector Leads and Heads of Department. Promote consistent policy application and timely decision-making.

Curriculum, Compliance & Quality

Oversee SAR, QIP, and curriculum development aligned to Ofsted EIF and DfE funding rules. Manage the full apprentice journey, including readiness for end-point assessment. Lead internal quality assurance (IQA), OTLA observations, and curriculum reviews. Track KPIs and use EPA data to inform staff development and pay progression. Act on learner and employer feedback to improve teaching and assessment.

People Development & Performance

Line manage and develop Sector Leads through regular reviews, coaching, and CPD. Maintain an accurate training matrix and compliance with DBS and qualification standards. Promote peer learning, standardisation, and knowledge sharing across teams.

Communication & Organisational Alignment

Ensure clear communication across delivery, data, admin, and leadership teams. Disseminate internal and external quality reports and drive action where needed. Monitor team calendars, expenses, and leave to support well-being and safeguarding.

Leadership, Culture & Representation

Role-model Mercury's values and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. Clarify responsibilities to reduce ambiguity and encourage accountability. Represent Mercury at external events, boards, and advisory groups. Help attract, retain, and develop talent by building a supportive culture.

Compliance & Recruitment Support

Act as Lead IQA, embedding Awarding Organisation requirements. Support recruitment, onboarding, and second interviews for delivery staff. Contribute to staff retention and welfare strategies.

Championing Values & Culture

Embed Mercury's values into daily practice, appraisals, and CPD. Encourage inclusive, respectful communication and shared learning. Celebrate achievements and create progression opportunities. Monitor staff feedback to improve engagement and workplace experience.

What We're Looking For (Essential Skills & Experience)

Significant experience in apprenticeship delivery and operational leadership. In-depth knowledge of Ofsted EIF, DfE funding rules, and quality frameworks. Proven success embedding systems and building high-performing team cultures. Experience in regulated education or training settings. Skilled communicator with a collaborative leadership style. Confident leading across curriculum, compliance, and quality domains.

Additional Requirements

Enhanced DBS check and BPSS security screening. Willingness to travel to employer/apprentice sites. Occasional evening/weekend work may be required. Must have direct experience with Ofsted and DfE audits and inspections.

What We Offer

Highly competitive salary

with regular reviews

34 days paid holiday

(26 days + 8 bank holidays)

Christmas/New Year shutdown

Regular team events

(fully funded)

Company pension scheme

Full home office setup

(laptop, phone, desk, chair, monitors)

Life insurance & 24/7 online doctor access

for you and your family

Travel expenses

covered (0.45/mile or fully funded train, hotel, meals)

Apprenticeship opportunities

for your own development

Supportive colleagues

and business infrastructure

Ready to Apply?

Join a forward-thinking organisation where your leadership will make a lasting difference. At Mercury, we're proud of our culture of inclusion, development, and excellence.

Please note:

We do not accept communication from recruitment agencies.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Employee mentoring programme Free flu jabs Free or subsidised travel Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Referral programme Work from home
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have your own vehicle to travel when visiting team members and clients?
Experience:

working for an Independent Training Provider: 3 years (required) Curriculum development: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Internal Quality Assurance Qualification (required)
Willingness to travel:

75% (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Brierley Hill DY5 1XN

Application deadline: 15/08/2025
Reference ID: Curriculum Manager
Expected start date: 01/10/2025