Deputy Director of Apprenticeships

Shape the future of degree apprenticeships at Manchester Met.

Are you a strategic leader with a proven track record in Higher Education, ready to make a lasting impact on learners, employers, and the wider skills landscape.

Manchester Met's Apprenticeships Unit leads the development, recruitment, and delivery of degree apprenticeships across the University. As Deputy Director of Apprenticeships, you'll join a forward-thinking senior leadership team within a sector-leading unit. In 2022, we were awarded Outstanding by Ofsted in all categories—a testament to our commitment to excellence, which continues to be reflected in consistently high satisfaction ratings from both employers and apprentices.

Over the past decade, our programme has grown significantly. We now work with over 700 employers—from global corporate and public sector organisations to innovative SMEs—delivering high-quality, industry-relevant undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications to more than 3,000 apprentices. Our success is driven by a deep passion for delivering high-quality apprenticeships, underpinned by strong partnerships—with academic colleagues across all faculties and with our employer partners. This collaborative approach ensures our programmes remain responsive to industry needs, academically rigorous, and genuinely impactful.

As Deputy Director, you will play a pivotal role in both strategic planning and operational delivery. You'll help shape and implement the University's Apprenticeship Strategy, lead operational teams, and represent Manchester Met in external forums, advocating for degree apprenticeships and advising on skills policy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Translating strategic priorities into effective operational plans.
• Leading performance monitoring, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Supporting curriculum development and academic collaboration.
• Deputising for the Director and representing the University externally.

We particularly welcome applicants with leadership experience in both Higher and Further Education, and a strong understanding of apprenticeship policy, funding, and regulation.

Join us and contribute to a collaborative, ambitious environment that champions excellence in degree apprenticeships.

To make an initial informal enquiry, please contact James Walker, Apprenticeships Director at james.w.walker@mmu.ac.uk.

Applications must include a full CV and a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how your knowledge, skills and experience match the essential criteria being sought (no more than two pages of A4).

Closing Date - Sunday, 16 November 2025

Interview Date - Tuesday, 9 December 2025

About Manchester Met
We have been proudly driving progress for more than two centuries. As one of the UK's largest and most popular universities, we're a force for good, dedicated to delivered outstanding research and excellent education. Much more than a university, we are a place where ambitious people unite as a diverse and inclusive community to make meaningful connections. Where world-class facilities combine with exceptional minds to improve lives through innovation. We welcome those who are committed, talented, and hardworking. People who believe in our values and are as driven as we are to achieve shared goals.

Our community of over 5,100 colleagues work in close partnership every day to bring about positive change regionally, nationally, and globally.

Build a role with purpose, in an environment designed to unlock your potential. Be part of Manchester Met. Be Manchester Met proud. Let's transform lives together.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.