Workforce Development Assistant Manager

Job responsibilities

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of a variety of health sector workforce development assignments/projects across the UK. The post holder will be responsible for the technical writing, delivery and quality assurance of assignments/projects relating to standards and frameworks typically, but not exclusively, related to products including: 

• National Occupational Standards 

• Competence and capability frameworks 

• Qualifications 

• Apprenticeship standards and frameworks 

The post holder will draw on their experience and understanding of the health sector to work flexibly as part of the Technical Consultancy Team alongside other expert colleagues working in the same field. The post holder will be accountable to the Head of NOS, Qualifications and Apprenticeships and will contribute to the overall effective and efficient delivery of the Consultancy & Research business unit. 

The post holder will be required to use a wide range of data sources to inform the design of standards and frameworks that support the development of the healthcare workforce across one or more of the UK nations. The post holder will be forward thinking and creative in their approach and will be expected to actively contribute to the design and implementation of workforce solutions. The post holder will ensure that all assignments/projects are delivered to the highest standards in terms of time, cost, quality, partnership working and evaluation. The post holder will be expected to develop one or more areas of expertise by working collaboratively with others in the team, including temporary contractors. 

The post holder will work in a complex and sometimes challenging environment, and partnership working is central to this post. Typical activities include facilitation of employer and stakeholder groups, technical drafting of standards and frameworks products and establishing and monitoring quality assurances processes. 

The post holder will liaise with stakeholders and commissioners and will identify and report progress, risks and issues, escalating and reporting within agreed project governance structures. 

Key Responsibilities 

Product and Services 

• Work with the Head of NOS, Qualifications and Apprenticeships and team members to support employers with the development of innovative and creative solutions to meet their need 

• Provide technical advice, guidance and support to employers and other external stakeholders to enable them to meet workforce priorities, motivating them to use standards, frameworks, and quality assurance solutions 

• Develop technical expertise on matters relating to standards, frameworks, and quality assurance solutions, learning and sharing alongside internal stakeholders and contractors 

• Use sector experience and specialist technical knowledge to support innovation in product and service development 

• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate steering/working groups 

• Identify and communicate sector intelligence collected through normal day to day activity and in discussions with stakeholders to inform business planning 

• Work in partnership with appropriate professional bodies, healthcare statutory regulators, awarding organisations including HEIs, government departments, employer bodies and other key stakeholders. 

• Manage allocated standards, frameworks and quality assurance assignments/projects using internal and external governance processes 

• Use project management plans to ensure that all work is delivered to agreed quality criteria, on time and within budget using appropriate monitoring techniques 

• Contribute to the delivery of standards and frameworks solutions, including the technical drafting of products to agreed quality criteria 

• Assess project outcomes, milestones and targets and regularly prepare and provide management and performance information to the Head of NOS, Qualifications and Apprenticeships 

Organisational and strategic working 

• Participate in the selection of contractors, complying with WDT procedures 

• Work with colleagues to ensure the delivery of business strategies and objectives 

• Support the Head of NOS, Qualifications and Apprenticeships in the formulation of annual planning and the development of performance metrics which meet WDT strategic aims 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of relevant internal strategies and policies relating to learning and education design and accreditation and contributing to external strategies and policies. 

• Provide regular performance management data on activities and projects which support the development of products and services 

• Ensure the appropriate use of financial resources in accordance with the WDT Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs)

Experience

Essential

• Working in the health sector, as part of the NHS or wider health economy in the UK
• Building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Engaging stakeholders in partnership working
• Managing multiple priorities and working to tight/unpredictable deadlines
• IT literate across the range of MS Office
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; oral and written

Desirable

• Managing and delivering multiple assignments/projects within defined quality criteria in complex and challenging environments
• Negotiating, mediating and resolving conflict in a politically sensitive environment
• Developing project plans, quality performance indicators and managing associated risk
• Developing and delivering workforce solutions
• Assimilating and analysing high volumes of data to inform priorities and objectives
• Facilitating large groups of diverse stakeholders, both in-person and remotely using appropriate technology
• Technical writing of standards and framework products

Behaviours

Essential

• Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues as part of a small, dispersed team
• Passionate about peoples development, enhancing employability and excellence in public service
• Adaptable, flexible and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• Creative thinker, with confidence and credibility to communicate innovative ideas and solutions to stakeholders
• Motivated self-starter, able to take the initiative
• Effective organiser, influencer and networker committed to quality outcomes
• Willingness to travel within the UK with some overnight stays

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.

Desirable

• Recognised project management qualification of equivalent achievements
• Healthcare professional qualification