Apprenticeships Manager – 12-Month FTC

JD Sports Fashion Plc; Bury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company is seeking an Apprenticeships Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract at their Bury office. This role will focus on managing high-quality apprenticeship programmes while ensuring compliance with funding regulations. The successful candidate will build partnerships with employers and training providers, oversee the apprenticeship lifecycle, and ensure excellent outcomes for learners. Strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards and effective levy spend management is essential. This position requires leadership and coordination of a team dedicated to apprenticeship success.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing apprenticeship programmes and effective levy spend.
• Strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards, funding rules, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience in quality assurance and Ofsted preparation is desirable.
• Ability to analyse data and produce actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end apprenticeship lifecycle, from onboarding to completion.
• Ensure programmes meet quality standards and deliver excellent outcomes for learners and employers.
• Maintain adherence to ESFA funding rules and Ofsted requirements.

Skills

Managing apprenticeship programmes

Knowledge of funding rules

Quality assurance experience

Data analysis

Retail sector experience

Job description

Job Title: Apprenticeships Manager – 12-Month FTC

Location: JD Sports Head Office, Bury

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Reports to: Head of Apprenticeships & Emerging Talent

Direct Reports: 3

Role Purpose

The Apprenticeship Manager will lead and oversee the delivery of high-quality apprenticeship programmes, ensuring compliance with funding and regulatory requirements. This role focuses on building strong partnerships with employers, training providers, and internal teams to create impactful learning experiences that align with organisational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership

• Manage the end-to-end apprenticeship lifecycle, from onboarding to completion.
• Ensure programmes meet quality standards and deliver excellent outcomes for learners and employers.
• Be the main contact for current and potential Apprenticeship providers.
• Manage the wider team to ensure Apprentice’s remain on programme and engaged.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain adherence to ESFA funding rules and Ofsted requirements.
• Oversee accurate documentation, gateway submissions, and audit readiness.
• Management of the DAS and clear reporting of spend.

Performance Monitoring

• Track learner progress and implement intervention strategies where needed.
• Analyse data to produce reports on effective levy spend, KPIs, retention, and achievement rates.

Promotion & Advocacy

• Champion apprenticeships internally and externally through events, webinars, and marketing campaigns.
• Develop initiatives to increase participation and awareness.

Strategic Development

• Contribute to the design and continuous improvement of apprenticeship programmes.
• Identify opportunities for new standards and emerging talent pathways.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing apprenticeship programmes and effective levy spend.
• Strong knowledge of apprenticeship standards, funding rules, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience in quality assurance and Ofsted preparation is desirable.
• Ability to analyse data and produce actionable insights.
• Apprenticeship management within a large Retail business would be advantageous.