Centre Manager - Summer School

We’re looking for energetic, enthusiastic people with a natural flair for leadership and engaging with young learners. We need people who are great leaders, with exceptional management and organisational skills, and a passion for making learning fun. If that sounds like you, this exciting role at our Language in Action Summer School is perfect for you!

Position:

Centre Manager (Residential only)

(Multiple positions available across London and Manchester)

Line Manager:

Programme Manager

Line Manager Reports to:

Head of Juniors

Responsible for:

The smooth running of all aspects of the summer programme in accordance with company policies and procedures, ensuring that the school operates to a high standard at all times.

Managing the performance of the operations team within the centre and working with academic management to oversee the entire centre team.

Managing the welfare and safety of students, group leaders and Language in Action team.

Ensuring the professional and efficient running of all areas of the business, including but not limited to client liaison, stakeholder meetings, catering, facilities, accommodation, education, suppliers, welfare, safety and the entirety of the student experience.

Purpose:

To deliver a programme of education, excursions and activities to the highest of standards, aligning the centre with Language in Action’s Mission and company values. Thus, ensuring the highest levels of student engagement, welfare, and entertainment.

To orchestrate all aspects of the centre’s operations in such a way that adheres to company policy, is financially responsible, and works to increase student and agency satisfaction and feedback.

Is Training Provided?

Yes, we offer a comprehensive training programme prior to the summer through a mix of our online training portal and online video calls. We will talk you through every aspect of the summer, and you'll get to work closely with the Programme Managers and the management teams from our other centres, so that when your centre opens, you know exactly what to do.

General Responsibilities and Tasks

• Represent the company professionally at a local level.
• Act in a professional and appropriate manner with all of Language in Action/Malvern International’s agents, clients, students, host campus staff and Language in Action staff; not to engage in any activity which may bring Language in Action/Malvern International or the host campus into disrepute.
• Wear the Language in Action uniform.
• Complete mandatory online training, attend a training day, or days, prior to the start of the course, and thereafter to attend any staff meetings deemed necessary by the on-site management team.
• Read, be fully conversant with, and act in accordance with the staff handbook, company policies, relevant Child Protection documents and all risk assessments prior to the start of the period of employment (documents supplied prior to the start of employment). Remaining vigilant in all matters of student welfare and reporting issues or concerns to an appropriate member of staff.
• Act always in accordance with the company policies outlined in the staff handbook and with the safeguarding policy to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Maintaining an approachable, but professional and appropriate attitude towards all students, group leaders and staff.
• Ensure that the company’s Health and Safety guidelines are followed, both on campus and when students are on off-site excursions.
• Ensure that students adhere to the code of conduct laid down by the company and report any incidents of misbehaviour to the appropriate member of staff.
• Be involved in any activity necessary for the smooth running of the centre.

Role Specific Responsibilities and Tasks

• Manage and oversee all Language in Action team members and departments, ensuring the successful running of the summer school with all policies/procedures and deadlines being adhered to.
• Orchestrate the set-up, opening and closure of the centre.
• Manage centre finances in line with prescribed budgets and targets, and reconcile all finances related to the Campus, Tour, and Academic divisions of the centre. Maintain accurate records of all expenditure in line with company policies.
• Line manage, and provide support, guidance and instruction to the management team within your centre (Director of Studies / Senior Teacher, Tour Coordinator, Campus Coordinator).
• Host regular management meetings with the operations and academic managers in your centre and monitor performance and progress across the summer.
• Review and approve team rotas, ensuring they allow for the optimal running of the centre.
• Review and approve catering requirements and communicate to all relevant parties, ensuring allergy and dietary needs are met.
• Have an in-depth knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of each of your team members, and ensure they have the facilities, and knowledge to fulfil their duties.
• Ensure all team members meet the criteria of their job description whilst working, and manage performance through guidance, training and instruction.
• Host regular Agency meetings, alongside Coordinators, with Agency Group Leaders to maintain positive relations with clients and gather feedback for improvement where necessary.
• Maintain constant avenues for feedback and discussion with all parties on campus and put strategies in place to develop or enhance the student experience wherever possible.
• Build a strong working relationship with campus facilities and catering teams, and ensure that contractual obligations are being met, and that they are of a high standard and quality.
• Collect, store and organise all documentation signed by, or communicated to, agencies, group leaders, students, team members or other clients and stakeholders, and maintain a well-organised, up-to-date and accurate record of all business matters.
• Ensure that all policies for the welfare and protection of children are understood by students and adhered by staff and clients.
• Be fully conversant with company policy, procedure, welfare and safety documentation such as risk assessments.
• Ensure there is student supervision at all times on campus and on excursion.
• Be familiar with all on-site emergency procedures and ensure that all members of staff and students are aware of these.
• Organise Fire drills with premises staff and make sure all safety rules are respected and clear to all students and GLs.
• Oversee all aspects of arrivals and departures on campus, including but not limited to the following:- Room checks prior to student arrival.

- Student check-in and registration.

- Campus tours.

- Airport pick-ups and coach departures.

• Hold and document periodical one-to-one meetings with the management team to review performance and progress in their role and attend meetings with the Programme Manager as required.
• Familiarise yourself with the campus and the local area or nearest town.
• Work with the Language in Action management team and leaders at the centre and develop a friendly and co-operative atmosphere.
• Engage with the students in a friendly but professional manner.
• Ensure you know the Safety procedures and potential risks involved in each of your duties.
• Prepare and update the Language in Action notice boards and signs around the centre to ensure students and leaders are kept informed on any relevant information.
• Ensure Language in Action has a visible presence on the campus through correct branding placement and presentation.
• Provide support on, or lead tours on occasion if requested to by your line manager (typically covering for staff sickness / absence).

Safeguarding Duties

• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of Safeguarding Officer Level 3.
• Assume seniority in all aspects of safety and welfare on campus, and report all incidents to your direct line manager, raising concerns for support or instruction where you feel necessary or when required.
• Act on all reports of safeguarding or welfare concerns in an appropriate and correct manner, and in line with safeguarding and welfare policy.
• Ensure adult/student ratios are met at all times across the summer programme.
• Adhere to and promote the Language in Action and Malvern International Safeguarding policy and apply it to all aspects of your work at all times.
• Read, understand, and be prepared to action Language in Action policies to the Campus Leader role and to student welfare.

Summer centres operate 24 hours a day and can be extremely busy places. There may be duties to perform in addition to those detailed above. Flexibility and common sense are fundamental attributes for this position.

Person Specification

The person

The Centre Manager role requires someone with experience managing clients and stakeholders, as well as managing internal teams. The position demands flexibility in approach and excellent organisational skills, as well as the ability to adapt plans in the moment. Centre Managers are able to show initiative and common sense and can demonstrate the ability to adapt to changing situations with ease. An ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate a range of leadership skills including problem solving, people management, professionalism in the workplace, and organisation.

Someone who can lead by example, participate in tasks with maximum effort, and is able to collaborate with colleagues to deliver exciting, fun, and engaging experiences for the students.

Skills and Abilities

Essentials:

• Previous management or leadership experience.
• Excellent level of spoken and written English.
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel or equivalents).
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Flexibility in working hours.

Desirable:

• Previous summer school experience (management or other).
• Participation in the Enhanced DBS Update Service (UK citizens only).
• Safeguarding training / certification.
• First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of the local area (London or Manchester).
• Experience managing or leading a team, group, or society.
• Experience working with external groups / clients.
• Experience completing administrative duties.
• Experience working with children aged 12-18 years.

PLEASE NOTE

The role will only be offered to those who are able to complete a successful Enhanced DBS check (UK) / Police Check (non-UK) prior to the start of summer.

Due to the nature of short-term language courses, a high degree of flexibility is required. You may be required to work at unsociable hours or assist in duties such as early morning or late-night arrivals and departures, and curfew supervision. The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with the position and, in addition, as a term of your employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required.

The company reserves the right, from time to time, to update your job description to reflect changes in, or to, your job. You will be consulted about any proposed changes.

ROOM AND BOARD

Where a fully residential position is offered, employees will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a standard single room for each night they are due to work the following day.

PAY AND CONDITIONS

Weekly Salary range: £700-750 (Gross salary)

Holiday will be accrued in accordance with UK laws and regulations. Working hours may vary based on a number of operational factors, but typical working hours for a full-time position are 43 hours per week. Weekend and late evening work is required, and working schedules run on a shift basis.

UK bank account holders are paid monthly. Employees with a non-UK bank account will be paid at the end of the summer period. All international bank fees are paid by the employee and deducted from the salary.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please complete the application form on our website (https://www.languageinactionltd.co.uk/work-for-us) or send a CV to recruitment.lia@malvernplc.com

SAFER RECRUITMENT POLICY

Language in Action is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all stakeholders and members of staff to share this commitment.

Language in Action operates a strict Safer Recruitment policy requiring all staff to undergo checks of their suitability to work with children prior to confirmation of employment.

All applicants will be required to supply an up-to-date CV and the contacts of two suitable referees (including at least one former employer) which will be contacted prior to employment. Any gaps in employment will be investigated. Referees will be asked specifically about the applicant’s suitability to work with children.

All staff will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check unless they provide details of their DBS update service subscription. Appropriate local police checks will be required from applicants living overseas. If applicants have lived for more than 3 months in different countries within the previous 5 years, they will be required to provide a police check from each different local police authority.

All staff will be required to provide proof of identity and relevant qualifications (originals only) – photocopies will be taken for our records. They will also be required to sign a ‘Suitability to Work with Children’ declaration stating that they are not barred from working with minors.

Offers of employment are subject to two satisfactory references and a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check or equivalent.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6-8 weeks

Pay: £700.00-£750.00 per week

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Discounted or free food

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Centre Manager - Manchester
Expected start date: 23/06/2025