Head of Kaplan Professional Awards
Location:
London
Reports To:
Head of London
Reports to Job Holder:
QCPA Manager and Administrator
Primary Objectives:
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Establish and maintain the strategic direction of KPA in line with the company’s
objectives
To be the single point of accountability for KPA and ensure that KPA complies with
Ofqual’s General Conditions
Deliver awards that meet and exceed all quality targets set by Kaplan and Ofqual.
Deliver revenue growth and manage budgets in line with the operational plan
Establish a sustainable business model that achieves the expected level of return for
Kaplan Professional Awards
Manage and develop staff and other resources to facilitate the above
Responsibilities:
Developing the business
 Identify and pursue new clients, awards and business opportunities
 Plan, develop and ensure delivery of sales and marketing strategies for expanding KPA’s
income in accordance with company targets
 Conduct and review market research to anticipate competition and market trends
 Develop new product directions that are responsive to customer needs and market
opportunities
Financial management
 Establish/agree revenue targets and ensure their achievement
 Ensure that costs and operating income targets are achieved
 Ensure that monthly/year end accounts and forecasting exercises are completed
accurately and according to schedule
Leadership
 Direct the activities of the team to ensure effective systems/resources are in place and
that KPA is achieving high quality delivery and customer service
 Direct the activities of the local staff responsible for the various revenue streams
 Develop a strong, focused and effective team
General
 Ensure compliance with all legal, statutory and organisational policy requirements
 Ensure compliance with the ethical walls policy to avoid any conflict of interest with
other Kaplan businesses
 Network and build external contacts, partnerships and working relationships
 Lead the team in developing strong relationships with key clients in order to better
understand their business needs.
 Maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding and trends in the Vocational, Adult learning
and Higher Education market place.
 Develop relationships with bodies and associations such as Skill Funding Agency,
National Apprenticeship Service, National Employer Service, Deparment for Business
Innovation and Skills, EDI and other relevant stakeholders.
Key Requiements:
 A relevant degree or equivalent level qualification
 Experience of running a small company or autonomous department
 Ability to communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders
 Ability to work in a rapidly changing environment
 Ability to respond to frequent demands of multiple customers (internal and external)
 Experience of working in partnership with employers and education and training
stakeholders
 Experience of marketing and commercialisation of training products and services.
Desirable Characteristics
 Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of SSCs, National Skills Academies,
funding bodies, awarding bodies, regulators etc. in relation to the development,
approval and delivery of qualifications
 Understanding of Qualifications, National Occupational Standards and other training
products and how they are developed and used.
 Previous experience of managing team and budgets
Competencies:
Leadership
 Establishes vision and manages goals to fulfil it
 Inspires others to see the vision and their part in it
 Builds a strong team with clear roles for team members
 Demonstrates passion and enthusiasm
 Builds trust with internal and external customers
 Communicates personal and business perspective and values
Developing Others
 Motivates and empowers others
 Hires and staffs effectively
 Provides direct reports with feedback and coaching
 Delegates work effectively
 Creates clear lines of accountability
 Fosters a high performance team
 Manages conflict
Communication
 Articulates a clear and compelling message
 Uses business communication skills and etiquette
 Influences, persuades and negotiates effectively
 Listens and inquires (vs. advocates)
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Communicates assertively and with confidence
Facilitates effective meetings
Analysis
 Demonstrate proficiency in fundamental financial and business concepts
 Applies financial knowledge to business risks/opportunities
 Understands business interrelationships/how things work together
 Gains insight from business experience
 Uses financial analysis to deliver results
Problem Solving and Execution
 Plans and executes projects effectively
 Establishes standards and measurements
 Sets priorities
 Manages risks
 Holds self accountable for problems in own area of control
Change Agent
 Participates in and drives change in the organization
 Managers others through change
 Adjusts priorities to changing situation
 Demonstrates organisational agility and versatility
 Embraces innovation