Training Manager

JOB BACKGROUND:

This post is part of the Belfast Works Project project, a Belfast wide employment project implemented by a consortium of organisations led by Ashton Community Trust.  The Belfast Works partnership organisations are

• GEMS NI
• Upper Springfield Development Trust
• Impact Training
• East Belfast Mission 

As the manager of the Belfast Works project training services, you will be responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of the project delivery services and outcomes.  You will directly manage one or more project co-ordinators and officers who will deliver the functions of the project to participants of the project. You will be responsible for developing and implementing project plans and ensuring that results are monitored on an ongoing basis.  You will work closely with the project steering committee, the consortium partners and Ashton as lead partner of the project including other project managers to ensure that the project is being effective and performing on target.  You will develop and maintain a network of project stakeholders and represent the project externally on a number of fora.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Line manage the Belfast Works Training team including co-ordinator/s and any other project staff were requested and ensure all roles are implemented in full to ensure the effective delivery of the project including carrying out supervisions and appraisals, performance measurement, monitoring leave and sickness
2. To manage the Training team as set out in the ESF application, Letter of Offer and ACT operational plan.  This includes the delivery of all targets and objectives and monitor performance on an ongoing basis
3. To manage the provision of the Training services in the Ashton Centre’s network of outreach centres thus ensuring the widest possible coverage of Belfast and Newtownabbey. 
4. To ensure all guidelines and processes set out by ESF and the Belfast Works project are being enforced and adhered to including all procurement processes. Act as point of contact for the ESF managing authority and any other match funders, and sign off all reports and monitoring requests to the funders
5. To work in conjunction with the Training team in maintaining quality systems and standards into all programmes to include: ETI, JET, Matrix, ISO and EFQM in order to ensure the full delivery of quality programmes to all user groups and to ensure that all standards and processes are being met for funders
6. Produce project analysis, data and reports at a strategic level for use by Ashton Management
7. Take responsibility for the overarching management of Training delivery of the project, ensuring consistency and high standards across the delivery area and ensure the mentor and health delivery team operates within its budget and that any variances are reported
8. Organise if requested project staff recruitment, panels and appointments
9. Represent the project on a number of relevant fora and in the media
10. This list is not exhaustive and you will be requested to perform such other relevant tasks deemed necessary by Management of the Ashton Training & Employment Services to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the project and the organisation’s action plan and that are commensurate with the grade of the post

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Undertake any other related responsibilities commensurate with the evolving objectives of the post and the evolution of the Ashton Community Trust, as may reasonably be requested by the Director
• Work flexibly on evenings, weekends and during school holidays to ensure full delivery of the programme.
• Undertake training in order to develop work related skills and knowledge.

• Work with due regard for Ashton Community Trust’s core values and objectives
• Ensure the effective implementation of and adherence to, the Trust’s policies and procedures

• Participate in Ashton Community Trust’s Performance Management and Appraisal process, and agree short, medium and long term goals with line manager, and direct line staff.
• Identify learning and development needs with your line manager and evaluate T&D to demonstrate needs have been met.
• Share best practice and achievements, and contribute to opportunities to present outcomes and case studies.

Status of the Job Description

This job description is not incorporated into the employee’s employment contract. It is intended as a guide and should not be viewed as an inflexible specification and it may be varied from time to time in the light of strategic developments following discussion with the post holder. The post holder will be expected to work to objectives agreed with the line manager

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1. Recognised professional qualification at Level 5 or above in Training or relevant field for the post

And a proven track record of 3 years or more experience within the last 5 years of working within a training field as a project manager or coordinator.  (Number of years experience may be increased should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists)

Or

A recognised professional qualification Level 3 or above in Training or relevant field for the post

      1. And a proven track record of 5 years or more experience of working within a training field as a project manager or coordinator. 

2. Experience of managing a team of staff at a senior level and in a target driven environment
3. Experience of planning, scheduling and budgeting for education and training programmes yearly in advance and at short notice
4. Experience of building and maintaining positive, open relationships with partner organisations and provide them with a broad range of support
5. Experience of analysing data, produce reports and identify key recommendations at a strategic level
6. An ability to work closely with funders to ensure project compliance with procedures
7. Experience and good knowledge of I.T and database systems including; ability to use MS office (Word, Excel) Internet and Email;
8. Valid driving license and access to transport appropriate for the post.  (Consideration will be given to candidates, who because of a disability, cannot hold a driving license but they must have access to a mode of transport that allows them to fulfill the duties of the post)

Desirable Criteria:

(Desirable criteria may used to shortlist applicants, should there be a need to facilitate manageable shortlists)

• Management Qualification
• An ability to represent the project internally and externally in the media and in relevant fora
• Experience of ESF funded programmes guidelines and procurement processes

Skills/Abilities Essential:

1.   Ability to promote and market the BELFAST WORKS Service and actively seek out additional resources
2. Ability to work under own initiative, including effective prioritisation of tasks and ability to work to agreed aims and objectives
3. Experience of using own initiative, including effective prioritisation of tasks and working to agreed aims and objectives
4. Proven experience in working within a target driven environment in which people are progressed to employment and/or further education/training
5. Demonstrable experience of working in a fast paced & proactive working environment with a ‘can-do’ attitude
6. Demonstrable experience of time management skills
7. Ability to create and sustain effective working relationships and build consensus with key stakeholders
8. Excellent written and oral communication skills
9. Experience of working within a complex operating environment with a range of stakeholders and partners
10. Experience of working the submission of funding applications and the tendering of new contracts
11. Sound knowledge of ICT including all Microsoft Office applications (word, excel, powerpoint, outlook, internet etc.)
12. Motivating others and excellent interpersonal skills
13. Working positively within a team and building good working relationships
14. Being non-judgmental in approach to dealing with unemployed
15. Excellent organisational skills
16. Commitment to the development of people in the community
17. Facilitation/group-work skills

 Circumstances Essential:

1. Ability to work flexible hours (including evening work and weekend work)
2. Willingness to undertake training required for the post.
3. Subject to Access NI enhanced clearance.