Personal Development Manager – Further Education

Personal Development Manager – Further Education
📍 Location: Cambridge
💰 Salary: £38,601 – £39,190 per annum
📜 Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week
🏖️ Annual Leave: 27 days per year + bank holidays
💼 Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme
🎓 Benefits: Bupa healthcare, free gym access, on-site parking with EV charging, course discounts
About the Role
A leading Further Education and Apprenticeship provider, rated Good by Ofsted, is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Personal Development Manager to lead student enrichment, employability initiatives, and personal development programmes. This role is instrumental in shaping the student experience, supporting progression, and fostering a vibrant learning environment.
Based at the Cambridge campus, with occasional travel to Huntingdon, the successful candidate will oversee the Personal Development Programme, ensuring students receive high-quality support and access to opportunities that enhance their personal and professional growth.
Key Responsibilities
🔹 Lead & Develop the Personal Development Programme – Design and implement a structured annual calendar covering key topics, including employability skills, wellbeing, and life skills. Oversee the Digital Tutorial content, ensuring consistency and engagement across all student groups.
🔹 Oversee Student Voice & Enrichment Initiatives – Manage student-led activities, including the Students’ Union, enrichment events, and leadership opportunities, ensuring students have an active voice in shaping their educational experience.
🔹 Manage Student Support Teams – Supervise Personal Development Coaches, Pastoral Support Coordinators, Learning Resource Centre teams, and the Gym Supervisor, ensuring high-quality support services for students, particularly those with additional needs.
🔹 Enhance Employability & Life Skills – Oversee the Personal Development Portfolio, helping students develop key skills and track their progress, preparing them for employment or further education.
🔹 Develop Training & Support for Tutors – Provide training on personal development delivery and tutorial content, ensuring staff feel confident in supporting students effectively.
🔹 Lead Key College Events – Organise and manage student events, including the College Freshers’ Fair, cross-college engagement projects, and enterprise activities to support employability and entrepreneurship.
🔹 Safeguarding & Quality Assurance – Ensure student support services align with Ofsted’s Personal Development, Behaviour & Welfare (PDBW) standards. Maintain high safeguarding standards and contribute to overall quality improvement.
What We’re Looking For
✅ Qualifications:
• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Level 2 English & Maths (minimum)
• Strong IT skills (MS Office, eLearning tools)
• A Level 3 qualification or substantial supervisory experience is desirable
• Safeguarding training (desirable)
✅ Experience:
• Proven experience in student personal development, enrichment, or pastoral support
• Strong leadership and team management experience
• Developing and delivering training programmes
• Coordinating student voice initiatives and engagement activities
• Working with young people to inspire and motivate them
• Experience managing Learning Resource Centres (desirable)
• Familiarity with eLearning platforms and digital resource development (desirable)
✅ Key Skills & Attributes:
• Strong leadership, organisational, and time management skills
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proactive and student-focused approach
• Understanding of personal development, behaviour, and attitudes in education
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively
Additional Information
📍 The role requires flexibility to work across both Cambridge and Huntingdon campuses.
⏳ Some evening and weekend work may be required for key student events.
📜 This role is subject to a successful 6-month probation period and an Enhanced DBS check.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and drive a student-focused personal development programme within a supportive and forward-thinking educational environment.

Fore more information, please contact Simon Atkins at Pertemps Newcastle on 0191 3000513