Post Title Centre Manager Ormeau House Closing Date 4th April 2025 Shortlisting W/C 14th April 2025 Method of Application: Send Covering Letter and CV by clicking Apply below. Company Overview DFPF Ltd, trading as People 1st, is a leading provider of quality training and educational programs. Established in Belfast in 1992, the company has grown to operate across 15 offices in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our mission is to support individuals in achieving their training and employment goals through accredited courses and qualifications. Over three decades, we have helped over 75,000 people achieve qualifications and supported many in transitioning into employment or upskilling. Mission Statement Together, let's realise your ambition. Company Values Our company values are encapsulated in the acronym CULTURE: Commitment Understanding Loyalty Teamwork Uniqueness Respect Excellence Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) In June 2024, People 1st transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a transformative milestone in the companys history. This innovative ownership structure ensures that employees are at the core of the business, fostering a culture of collaboration, shared success, and long-term sustainability. What is an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)? An EOT is a legal entity that holds a controlling interest in a company on behalf of its employees. Unlike traditional ownership models, employees do not directly own shares but are beneficiaries of the trust. This structure aligns the interests of employees with the long-term success of the business while preserving its values and culture. At People 1st, the EOT owns 100% of the companys shares, ensuring that all eligible employees benefit equally from its performance. Employees automatically become beneficiaries after a 12-month qualifying period, without needing to make any personal investment or changes to their employment terms. Key Benefits for Employees The EOT model offers numerous advantages for employees: Financial Rewards: Employees are eligible for tax-free bonuses of up to £3,600 annually. This provides a direct financial incentive linked to the companys success. These bonuses are exempt from income tax (though National Insurance Contributions still apply), offering significant savings. Job Security: The EOT ensures greater stability by protecting jobs and maintaining the companys values and culture. Unlike third-party ownership models, there is less risk of redundancies or drastic cultural shifts. Sense of Ownership: Employees have an indirect stake in the companys success, fostering a sense of pride and belonging. This shared purpose encourages collaboration and enhances employee engagement. Career Development: The EOT structure motivates employees to contribute meaningfully to the companys growth, opening up opportunities for personal and professional development. Enhanced Morale and Productivity: Studies show that employee-owned businesses often experience higher morale, lower absenteeism, and improved productivity due to increased engagement. Governance and Leadership While ownership has transitioned to the EOT, People 1st retains its robust leadership structure: A board of directors oversees strategic decisions and day-to-day operations. Trustees ensure that management decisions align with employee interests. Employees have representation through trustees who advocate for their needs at the highest level. This governance model ensures that while employees benefit as owners, experienced leaders continue driving the company forward. Why Choose an EOT? The decision to transition to an EOT reflects People 1sts commitment to its people and community: Sustainability: The EOT model secures the companys future by fostering long-term growth. Legacy Protection: The transition preserves People 1sts mission, values, and culture for future generations. Talent Retention: The sense of ownership attracts top talent and reduces staff turnover. Community Impact: By empowering employees, People 1st contributes positively to local economies in Northern Ireland and Donegal Terms and Conditions of Employment Annual Leave The holiday year runs from April 1 to March 31. Employees are entitled to 21 days of annual leave, plus customary holidays such as New Years Day, St. Patricks Day, Easter Monday, and Christmas Day. After two years of continuous service, employees receive an additional day of annual leave per year, up to a maximum of five extra days after five years of service. Working Hours Monday Thursday: 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM 1:30 PM Remuneration Wages are paid monthly via BACS on the last Friday of each month. Pension Scheme Employees are automatically enrolled in The Peoples Pension scheme after a three-month deferment period. Probationary Period New employees are on probation for up to 26 weeks, during which their progress is monitored. Customary Holidays Recognized holidays include New Years Day, St. Patricks Day, Easter Monday/Easter Tuesday, May Day, July 12/July 13, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Why Join Us? Dynamic Work Environment: Collaborative culture with opportunities for innovation. Professional Development: Access to accredited training programs and career advancement opportunities. Employee Benefits: Tax-free financial rewards through the EOT structure. Community Impact: Contributing to sustainable growth across Northern Ireland and Donegal. Centre Manager Ormeau House RESPONSIBLE TO Directors HOURS OF WORK Mon Thurs 9am-5pm Fri 9am-1:30pm LOCATION Hybrid / Belfast SALARY BENEFITS £35,500 (Under Review) Pension 3%, EAP Beneficiary of Employee Owned Trust JOB PURPOSE The Centre Manager will take overall accountability for the operational management of our Ormeau Road Centre, ensuring high standards of service delivery, staff performance, and financial management. A key focus will be on improving retention and achievement rates for learners, particularly within the Skills for Life and Work programme, while maximizing output-related funding (ORF) claims. Additionally, the Centre Manager will oversee the team responsible for delivering a funded ESOL programme across Belfast, ensuring high-quality provision, participant satisfaction, and compliance with funding and awarding body requirements. The successful candidate will join the People 1st Senior Leadership Team. RESPONSIBILITIES Operational and Performance Management Achieve performance and financial targets as set out in the centre budget. Maximise output-related funding (ORF) for Skills for Life and Work, ensuring compliance with funding body requirements and audit readiness. Analyse and interpret data to monitor learner progress, implement performance improvements, and evaluate the impact of actions. Plan, allocate, and continually evaluate the use of resources to optimise staff and infrastructure efficiency. Ensure compliance with all funding and regulatory requirements, overseeing accurate reporting and performance tracking. Leadership and Staff Management Lead, motivate, and develop a team of tutors and support staff to ensure the highest level of service delivery and learner engagement within Skills for Life and Work. Oversee the team responsible for delivering a funded ESOL programme across Belfast, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning. Provide structured support, mentoring, and performance management for the team. Work with HR to attract and retain skilled professionals, ensuring a high-quality onboarding experience for new employees. Oversee caseload allocation and timetabling to optimise centre efficiency. Learner Support and Engagement Establish a positive and inclusive centre culture that prioritises learner success and well-being. Develop strategies to engage and retain young people, particularly those with challenging backgrounds on the Skills for Life and Work Programme. Ensure appropriate interventions and support mechanisms are in place to improve attendance, achievement, and progression. Embed a strong safeguarding culture and ensure all policies are adhered to. Stakeholder Engagement Build and maintain relationships with employers, external agencies, funding bodies, and community organisations. Develop partnerships to enhance learner opportunities, including work placements and employment pathways. Represent the centre at external meetings, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with key stakeholders. Quality and Compliance Implement and uphold quality assurance processes to maintain high teaching, learning, and service delivery standards. Ensure the ESOL programme meets awarding body requirements and maximises funding potential. Conduct compliance checks, monitor service quality, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure all reporting requirements are met, including funding claims and audit preparation. Other Duties Support organisational change initiatives and contribute to strategic decision-making. Undertake continuous professional development and training as required. Perform other reasonable duties as requested by the Directors. Please note The above mentioned duties are neither exclusive nor exhaustive and the post holder may be required to carry out such other appropriate duties as may be required by the line manager, with the level of the post and the competency of the post holder. The details contained in this job description reflect the requirements of the role at the date it was prepared. Over time roles may change, existing duties may no longer be required and other duties may be gained without changing the general nature of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Consequently, People 1st will expect to revise this job description from time to time. PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Essential Qualifications & Experience Relevant degree or equivalent management/supervisory experience. Proven success in training, youth work, employability, or ESOL programme management. Experience working with challenging young people and implementing strategies to improve retention and achievement. Strong track record in staff leadership, motivation, and development. Good working knowledge of the local labour market and funding requirements. Proficiency in IT systems for data analysis, ORF claims, and reporting. Full driving licence and access to a car. Desirable Experience managing a funded programme (vocational learning, ESOL, community engagement, etc.) Experience in ensuring compliance with operational requirements Strong background in curriculum development and learner support strategies. Experience in multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-community projects. Ability to manage budgets effectively and implement financial controls BEHAVIOURS / CAPABILITIES Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving abilities. Ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external stakeholders. Creative and innovative approach to problem-solving. Confidence in presenting to external stakeholders and delivering reports. Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development. Passionate about supporting young people to achieve their full potential.