Manchester City Council
District Programme Leader (English & maths)
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Working Hours: 37 Hours Per Week
Contract Type: Full-Time, Temporary (11 months)
Closing Date: 26 July 2026
Closing time: 11.59pm
Interview Method: Face to Face
Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
This role is subject to:
- 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dbs-code-of-practice). We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.
Qualification - Teaching and subject specialism
As a Programme Leader, you will lead a team of tutors to manage a portfolio of programmes.
You will be responsible for ensuring the curriculum is well-designed and executed, delivers on key performance indicators, and is a good fit for our learners and the city's priorities, including improving English, maths, and ICT skills. A key part of your role will involve managing relationships with key stakeholders, including local employers and community organisations, to ensure courses are relevant and accessible. You will also contribute to the marketing and promotion of courses.
Key Responsibilities
- Curriculum Planning: Work with the Curriculum Manager to plan an attractive offer that enables learners to progress towards employment and positive destinations. Ensure the curriculum plan is robust, deliverable, and will generate sufficient funding, while making efficient use of resources and staff time. Lead the team to ensure all courses are effectively planned with a clear intent. Contribute to the medium to long-term strategy for the English and maths curriculum.
- Learner Recruitment: Contribute to developing and delivering the enrolment approach, ensuring it is well-communicated and leads to a positive start to the academic year. Monitor recruitment data, identify areas needing focus, and plan effective interventions to achieve recruitment targets. You will also coordinate activities for existing MAES learners and engage with residents looking to progress their careers.
- Quality of Education: Lead a team of tutors to plan and deliver programmes that meet Ofsted standards for outstanding or good teaching, learning, and assessment. Ensure the team is 'Ofsted ready' and can articulate and evidence strengths, curriculum intent, and impact. Monitor quality and intervene quickly to manage issues in line with service policies. Contribute to the service quality cycle, undertaking self-assessment and identifying appropriate service improvement actions. Manage the internal quality assurance process, working closely with teams and awarding organisations.
- Team Leadership: Line manage and mentor teaching staff through effective performance management and quality assurance processes to support service improvement and maintain high standards. Ensure your team fully engages with cross-service priorities such as e-learning and "Make it Happen" (CEIAG approach).
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work alongside MAES curriculum teams and wider teams to coordinate and deliver the curriculum offer is accessed by those who will most benefit. Work with employers to design bespoke programmes to meet recruiting employers' needs.
- Teaching: Teach a base load of hours to meet the needs of learners.
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We are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience and/or aspirations of progressing into a leadership role and the ability to help shape our strategic plans.
Qualifications
- You will hold a PGCE/Cert Ed or equivalent adult or FE teaching qualification and have recent experience of teaching adults.
Subject Specialism
- You will have the necessary subject specialism for the curriculum area.
Leadership & Management
- Ideally, you will hold a Leadership and Management qualification/equivalent or be willing to achieve one within two years.
Assessment & Verification
- Ideally, you will hold qualifications in assessment and verification or be willing to achieve them, and be able to demonstrate a track record of exceeding the expectations of awarding organisations in managing these processes. You will also contribute to the organisation and moderation/verification of qualifications and examinations.
Technical Skills
- Knowledge and experience of the use and development of e-learning/learning technologies, including familiarity with Virtual Learning Environment systems. Knowledge and experience of delivering service improvements through the self-assessment process. You will have strong ICT skills to obtain, analyse, and present data effectively. You will also have strong administrative skills to maintain effective systems in a rapidly changing environment.
Competencies
- You will demonstrate strong communication skills, able to listen attentively and communicate clearly and effectively, considering individual needs and accessibility. You will possess analytical skills, able to resolve queries and present information using descriptive statistics. Effective planning and organising skills are essential, along with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. You will be a creative thinker, able to provide innovative solutions. Strategic thinking and understanding the importance of organisational strategy are also key.
We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.
Working for Manchester isn’t just a job - it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.
Our Manchester Is Our Vision For a Fairer, Greener, And Healthier City - a Vision Shaped By The People Of Manchester. It Guides Everything We Do At The Council And Is Brought To Life Through The Our Manchester Behaviours
- We take time to listen and understand
- We work together and trust each other
- We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
- We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
- We’re proud and passionate about Manchester
Benefits We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 42 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays.
- A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the Teachers pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
- Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
- Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
- Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
- A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
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Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council
At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.
Support During the Process
- Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
- Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme
Requirements
We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the recruiting panels minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:
- Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
- Current or former care leavers
- Have a disability or long-term condition
- If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the Supporting Statement section of your application.
When You Join Us
We’re a Disability Confident Employer, Offering
- A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
- Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
- A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.
For more information about the role or any adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk.
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