Funding, Compliance & Risk

• Ensure subcontracting arrangements operate in accordance with applicable Department for Education funding rules, devolved authority requirements, contractual obligations and SCL policies.
• Maintain an appropriate working knowledge of relevant funding and regulatory requirements and ensure changes affecting subcontracted provision are appropriately implemented.
• Ensure robust due diligence is completed before subcontractors are appointed and refreshed throughout the relationship, including financial, operational, quality and compliance checks.
• Work closely with Quality and Compliance teams to monitor learner eligibility, evidence, funding compliance, quality and delivery standards.
• Maintain effective subcontracting risk management arrangements and ensure material risks are appropriately mitigated and escalated.
• Support internal and external audit activity and ensure subcontractors provide required information, evidence and access.
• Ensure subcontracting arrangements are appropriately recorded, declared and reported to relevant funding bodies where required.

Mobilisation, Partnerships & Growth

• Lead the operational mobilisation of new subcontractors and relevant third-party delivery partnerships, ensuring responsibilities, KPIs, systems, reporting, learner journey and governance arrangements are clearly established.
• Coordinate internal stakeholders to ensure new arrangements are operationally ready prior to delivery commencing.
• Build and maintain strong, commercially effective relationships with subcontractors and strategic delivery partners.
• Develop effective working relationships with relevant funding bodies, Combined/Mayoral Authorities, prime contractors and other stakeholders relevant to SCL's subcontracted provision.
• Work alongside Business Development to identify and assess potential subcontracting and partnership opportunities, including partner identification and due diligence.
• Assess proposed partnerships for strategic fit, delivery capability, quality, compliance risk and commercial viability.
• Identify opportunities to responsibly grow high-performing partnerships and improve the overall effectiveness and value of the portfolio.

Stakeholder Management & Leadership

• Act as SCL's principal operational point of coordination for subcontracting matters.
• Develop strong cross-functional relationships across Legal, Finance, Quality, Compliance, Curriculum, Operations, Data and Business Development.
• Ensure responsibilities between SCL and its subcontractors are clearly understood and effectively implemented.
• Provide informed advice and recommendations to senior stakeholders on subcontractor performance, commercial considerations, risk and proposed interventions.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and high-quality delivery across SCL's subcontracting network.

KEY MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Success in the role will include:

• Delivery against contracted learner, quality and financial profiles.
• Portfolio financial performance against budget and forecast.
• Compliance with funding, contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Strong internal and external audit outcomes.
• Timely identification and resolution of subcontractor underperformance and risk.
• Successful mobilisation of new subcontractors and partnerships.
• Effective management of interventions, renewals, teach-out and exits.
• Accurate and timely portfolio reporting and governance.
• Strong and productive subcontractor and stakeholder relationships.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Significant experience within subcontracting, contract management, partnership management, commercial management or publicly funded education and training.
• Demonstrable experience managing a substantial portfolio of contracts, subcontractors, suppliers or delivery partners.
• Strong understanding of contract management, commercial risk and supplier/partner performance management.
• Experience of financial monitoring, forecasting, KPI management and performance reporting.
• Demonstrable experience managing complex stakeholder relationships and addressing material underperformance.
• Experience of mobilising new contracts, services or delivery partnerships.
• Strong risk management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience producing and presenting performance information and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and negotiate effectively.

Desirable

• Experience within an independent training provider, FE college or publicly funded skills environment.
• Knowledge of DfE funding rules and subcontracting requirements.
• Experience across Adult Skills, 16–19 Study Programme, Apprenticeships and/or devolved adult skills provision.
• Experience working with Combined/Mayoral Authorities or other public-sector commissioners.
• Experience of funding assurance, audit and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing subcontractor intervention, recovery, teach-out or termination.
• Experience supporting public-sector bids, tenders and contract mobilisation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience desirable but not essential.
• Professional qualification or membership within contract management, procurement, commercial management or project management, for example CIPS, APMP, APM or PRINCE2 would be advantageous.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will be:

• Commercially minded while maintaining a strong focus on quality, compliance and learner outcomes.
• Proactive, accountable and results driven.
• Highly analytical with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident in challenging underperformance and holding partners to account.
• Credible and effective when working with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Pragmatic and solutions-focused, with sound judgement and decision-making skills.
• Adaptable and resilient within a fast-paced environment.
• Able to operate independently while collaborating effectively across multiple functions.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements with national travel.
• Opportunities for professional development and progression.
• A varied and influential role with responsibility for a significant portfolio of strategic delivery relationships.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to SCL's growth, quality and continued development.