Curriculum and Learning Manager

The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is £55,486 per annum based on 36 hours per week.

We are excited to be recruiting a new Curriculum and Learning Manager to join the fantastic Surrey Adult Learning service, based at Woking Adult Learning Centre. This role is open to flexible and hybrid working.

Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residentsShape the Future of Adult Learning in Surrey!

We are looking for an exceptional leader to join our senior management team as Curriculum and Learning Manager. This is a strategic role offering the opportunity to influence the future direction of adult learning across Surrey, ensuring learners receive high-quality teaching, learning and support while driving innovation, growth and continuous improvement.

About the Role

Surrey Adult Learning is one of the largest local authority adult education services in the region, delivering over 800 courses through dedicated learning centres, community venues and online learning. We are committed to helping residents develop skills, improve their wellbeing, gain employment, progress in learning and contribute to their communities.

In this role you will lead the strategic planning, development and management of Surrey Adult Learning's curriculum offer, quality assurance arrangements and staff development programmes. You will work collaboratively across the service to ensure provision meets national priorities, local needs and inspection requirements while delivering excellent outcomes for learners and communities.

Your key responsibilities as a Curriculum and Learning Manager will include:

Leading the strategic development, delivery and quality improvement of the curriculum offer
Managing a team of senior managers responsible for curriculum delivery, apprenticeships, marketing, communications, partnerships and commercial development
Driving a culture of excellence in teaching, learning, assessment and customer service
Building effective partnerships with employers, voluntary organisations, NHS partners, Jobcentre Plus and other stakeholders to maximise opportunities for learners
Leading on quality assurance, self-assessment and inspection readiness across the service
Acting as the service's Inspection Nominee, representing Surrey Adult Learning during inspection activity and promoting the service externally
Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Officer, leading safeguarding practice, compliance and staff development
Leading the service's approach to equality, diversity, inclusion and Prevent responsibilities
Supporting financial sustainability through effective use of resources, grant funding and commercial opportunities
This is an opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of Surrey residents and shape the future direction of a highly regarded adult learning service. You will join an ambitious, learner-focused organisation with a strong commitment to innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement.Your Application

We are seeking an inspirational and experienced leader with a strong track record in adult education, skills or further education.

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills:

A degree-level qualification and teaching qualification or demonstrable equivalent professional expertise and experience
Significant and successful senior management experience within the adult learning or skills sector
Proven expertise in curriculum leadership, quality improvement and performance management, with the ability to lead, motivate and
develop high-performing teams
Experience of leading organisations through inspection activity, including acting as, or working closely with, an Inspection Nominee, together with strong knowledge of adult education funding, quality frameworks and regulatory requirements
A successful track record of delivering organisational objectives and improving outcomes for learners
Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-management skills, with experience of developing effective partnerships and collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
Strong understanding of safeguarding, equality, diversity and health and safety responsibilitiesThe role holder will need to have the willingness and ability to travel around the county to meet the demands of the role.

An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and answer the following 3 questions:

Please describe your experience of leading curriculum development and quality improvement within an adult learning, skills or further education setting. We would like to hear about what actions you took, what challenges you overcame, and what measurable impact this had on learner outcomes, teaching quality or organisational performance? (500 words max)
Please review the Surrey Adult Learning offer on our website and provide feedback on your suggested next steps in developing this curriculum further. (500 words max)
Please tell us about why you think you would be a great candidate for this role? (500 words max)The job advert closes at 23:59 on 23.08.2026 with interviews planned to follow.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs