Professional Education Lead

Professional Education Lead

This is a Fixed-term contract covering a period of maternity leave

Role Purpose

The Professional Education Lead is responsible for leading the firm's professional education function and ensuring exceptional trainee qualification experience across key professional pathways.

The role provides strategic oversight of trainee progression, qualification programmes, professional body relationships and governance, while partnering with senior stakeholders to support the development and success of future qualified professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Professional Education Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead the firm's professional education function across ACA, ACCA, AITI and other relevant qualification pathways.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with professional bodies, education providers and key stakeholders
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations on professional education, trainee development and qualification pathways
• Represent the professional education function across internal and external forums.

Trainee Experience & Progression

• Oversee trainee progression and support a positive qualification experience throughout the trainee lifecycle.
• Partner with business leaders and people managers to support trainee engagement, development and retention.
• Identify and manage risks, issues and opportunities relating to trainee progression and qualification success.

Programme Delivery, Compliance & Governance

• Oversee delivery of professional education programmes, exam cycles, study leave processes and training contract requirements.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance and record management across all qualification pathways.
• Monitor trainee progression and compliance requirements, implementing appropriate follow-up actions where required.
• Prepare reports, insights and recommendations for senior stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement & Projects

• Lead and support initiatives that enhance the effectiveness of professional education programmes and processes.
• Act as a subject matter expert on projects relating to trainees, professional qualifications and learning operations.
• Drive continuous improvement through policy, process and system enhancements.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in professional education, learning and development, talent development, early careers or related field.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Professional accountancy qualification or experience supporting professional qualification programmes.
• Knowledge of ACA, ACCA, AITI or similar qualification pathways.
• Experience working with trainee populations, graduates or early career professionals.
• Understanding of training contract governance and professional body requirements.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership
• Clear communication and presentation skills
• Operational excellence, governance and delivery focus
• Project management, collaboration and continuous improvement

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