Placements Manager

Thrive Approach; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training organization in the United Kingdom is seeking an ITT Placements Manager. This role involves managing placement operations and the Placement & Engagement Team, ensuring compliance with DfE criteria. The ideal candidate will have experience in placement coordination and strong organizational skills. Competitive benefits include a healthcare plan, life insurance, and significant holiday allowance. This role offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the education sector within an inclusive environment.

Benefits

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Healthcare plan after probation

Free life insurance

Pension contributions after 3 months

Discounts on online learning resources

Flexible benefits options after probation

Qualifications

• Experience line managing or supervising an operational team.
• Confidence with compliance processes and detailed record keeping.
• Knowledge of DfE or Of requirements is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage placement-related issues and logistics.
• Line manage the Placement & Engagement Team.
• Ensure placements meet DfE ITT criteria and Ofsted expectations.

Skills

Experience in placement coordination

Strong organizational skills

Professional communication skills

Calm problem-solving approach

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

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Full details of the job.

Vacancy Name

Vacancy Name ITT Placements Manager

Vacancy Number

Vacancy Number VN2547

Location City

Location City Bristol

Employment Type

Employment Type Permanent

About us

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people.

We’re a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE’s ‘Golden Thread’ (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do.

Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally.

>We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

About the job

The role line manages the Placement & Engagement Team, oversees placement activity, supports school partners, and ensures placements meet DfE and Ofsted expectations. The postholder acts as the main operational contact for placement delivery, escalating risks and issues appropriately to the Head of Partnerships and Placements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Delivery of Placement Strategy
   • Deliver the agreed placement strategy set by the Head of Partnerships and Placements across ITT routes.
   • Coordinate placement activity in line with cohort numbers, program timelines and curriculum requirements.
   • Support the identification of placement schools and matching of trainees to placements, ensuring suitability, capacity and logistical considerations are met.
   • Implement agreed placement processes, timelines and operating procedures consistently.
   • Contribute operational insight and feedback to inform future planning and improvement.
2. Compliance and Quality Assurance
   • Ensure placements meet DfE ITT criteria and Ofsted expectations at an operational level.
   • Maintain accurate, auditable records relating to placements, safeguarding confirmations and compliance checks.
   • Coordinate pre-placement checks, mid-point monitoring and post-placement feedback processes.
   • Identify risks or gaps in placement quality or compliance and elevate appropriately.
   • Support Ofsted readiness by ensuring evidence is complete, accurate and accessible.
3. Management of the Placement & Engagement Team
   • Line manage the Placement & Engagement Team, providing clear priorities, oversight and day‑to‑day support.
   • Allocate workload, monitor delivery against timelines and address issues promptly.
   • Step in to support workload at times of high demand, staff shortage and manage tricky scenarios.
   • Support team development through regular check‑ins, feedback and coaching.
   • Ensure consistent, professional communication with schools and internal teams.
   • Foster a collaborative, organized and solutions‑focused team culture.
4. Partnership Engagement and Communication
   • Act as a key operational contact for school and MAT partners regarding placements.
   • Ensure schools receive clear, timely information on expectations, processes and support.
   • Coordinate placement communications, documentation and follow‑ups.
   • Support relationship management activity led by the Head of Partnerships and Placements.
   • Handle routine partner queries and elevate complex or sensitive issues as needed.
5. Issue Resolution and Trainee Experience
   • Manage placement-related issues such as logistics, fit, attendance or changes.
   • Liaise with programme teams to quickly and professionally resolve issues.
   • Ensure trainees and schools feel supported throughout the placement lifecycle.
   • Use feedback to identify areas for improvement in processes and communication.

Targets and Measures of Success

• Placements delivered on time and in line with agreed plans.
• High levels of data accuracy and compliance assurance.
• Reduced last‑minute placement changes and issues.
• Positive feedback from schools, trainees and internal teams.
• High levels of repeat placements from partner schools.
• Effective team performance and workload management.

About you

• Experience working in placement coordination, partnerships, education operations or a related role.
• Experience line managing or supervising an operational team.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Confidence working with compliance processes and detailed record keeping.
• Clear, professional communication skills with external partners.
• Calm, solutions‑focused approach to problem solving.
• Experience within ITT, education or training provision.
• Knowledge of DfE or Of requirements (or ability to learn quickly).
• Experience using CRMs or placement management systems.
• Experience working with schools or MATs.

What we Offer

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare Plan once you’ve passed probation, which includes access to a private GP.
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary.
• We’ll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you’ve passed probation – this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn.