Head of Different Steps - Different Steps CIC (part of the Animal Antiks family)
Location: North Marston
Overview
Do you want to lead a service that genuinely changes young people’s lives? At Different Steps CIC, part of Animal Antiks, we provide specialist post-16 education in a unique farm-based environment where learners build confidence, skills and brighter futures.
We’re looking for an experienced operations and business leader to drive our next phase of growth – someone who can bring strong systems, processes and team leadership together with a passion for inclusive education.
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time 8:30am – 4:30pm
Closing date: 2nd March 2026
About us
Different Steps CIC is a Community Interest Company and subsidiary of Animal Antiks, specialising in post-16 education for young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). We provide transformative educational experiences through nature-based learning, combining therapeutic farm environments with accredited qualifications in animal care and personal development.
Our mission is to enable every learner to achieve their potential and progress towards meaningful employment or further education through innovative, person-centred educational approaches.
Website: Different Steps
About the role
The Head of Different Steps is the operational and business leader responsible for the day-to-day management and strategic development of Different Steps CIC as a successful training provider. This is a business management role requiring someone with a training background who excels at process, systems, and operational excellence.
You will oversee all aspects of running a compliant, efficient training company - from awarding body relationships and apprenticeship development to learner journey management and team coordination.
While you'll manage educators and develop curriculums with your team, your primary focus is operational leadership, systems management, and business growth.
The successful candidate will combine practical training sector knowledge with strong business acumen, ensuring Different Steps operates efficiently, meets all regulatory requirements and delivers exceptional outcomes for learners while supporting sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Business Operations & Process Management
- Lead the day-to-day running of the training provision
- Develop efficient processes, systems and ways of working
- Own our learning management system (One File) and reporting
- Monitor KPIs, budgets and operational performance
2. Apprenticeships & Programme Development
- Develop and manage apprenticeships and funded programmes
- Ensure programmes meet ESFA and funding requirements
- Build employer partnerships and work placement opportunities
- Identify new qualifications and growth opportunities
3. Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Lead internal quality assurance and assessment standards
- Maintain awarding body relationships (e.g. City & Guilds, ASDAN)
- Prepare for inspections, audits and external quality visits
- Ensure compliance with Ofsted, safeguarding and funding rules
4. Team Leadership
- Line manage a small team (Administrator + Teaching/Assessment staff)
- Provide supervision, support and performance management
- Coordinate workloads, timetables and staff development
- Foster a collaborative, positive team culture
5. Learner Journey & Experience
- Oversee the learner journey from enrolment to progression
- Monitor attendance, engagement and outcomes
- Work with families, local authorities and external professionals
- Ensure safeguarding and pastoral support remain central
- Business Development & Growth
6. Business Development & Growth
- Support marketing, recruitment and open events
- Develop employer and community partnerships
- Contribute to income generation and future growth plans
- Help scale provision to support increasing learner number
About you
Essential:
- 3+ years’ experience in a training provider, FE or apprenticeship setting
- Strong operational, systems and process management skills
- Experience with quality assurance, compliance and awarding bodies
- Team leadership or line management experience
- Resilient and adaptable in a dynamic environment
- Understanding of SEND learners and EHCP processes
- Confident using digital systems
- Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work autonomously
Desirable:
- Experience in specialist, therapeutic or outdoor learning
- IQA qualification (or commitment to achieve within 12 months)
- Teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed, PTLLS, or equivalent)
- Apprenticeship programme experience
- Experience with Ofsted inspections and ESFA funding audits
- Experience using OneFile
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
- Generous holiday allowance (25 days plus bank holidays, increasing with service)
- Professional development budget and support for further qualifications (including IQA if needed)
- Beautiful rural working environment
- Opportunity to shape and grow a successful training provider
- Genuine impact on young people's lives
- Career progression opportunities within the growing Animal Antiks Group
- Supportive, values-driven leadership team
Other information
How to Apply
Please upload your CV with covering letter (no more than 2 pages) or email them to [email protected]
For informal discussions about this role, please contact Amanda Foister, Company Secretary. Email: [email protected]
Different Steps CIC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks.
Different Steps CIC is part of the Animal Antiks Group.
