Salary: £45,091 - £46,142 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Penrith

Contract: 3 Years (with a view to extend to full five years)

About this opportunity

We are seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead quality assurance, compliance and continuous improvement across the Connect to Work programme.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Connect to Work, you will design and implement a robust quality assurance framework that ensures compliance with contractual and statutory requirements, manages risk effectively, and supports high-quality delivery across all partners.

You will work closely with programme teams, delivery partners, and internal council services to ensure governance, assurance and quality processes are consistent, transparent and outcome-focused. The role plays a key part in safeguarding programme integrity while driving improvements that enhance participant and employer outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of the programme's quality assurance strategy
• Monitor governance, compliance and risk management arrangements
• Ensure adherence to DWP contractual requirements and council policies
• Conduct audits and quality checks on participant records, outcomes and data accuracy
• Oversee quality performance dashboards and reporting for senior leaders and funders
• Identify systemic issues, implement corrective actions and share lessons learned
• Champion a culture of quality, compliance and continuous improvement
• Provide guidance and training to delivery staff and partners
• Act as a key point of contact for quality and assurance matters, including external audits

Who we're looking for

We're looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We're also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Tim Gale by email at Tim.Gale@enterprisingcumbria.org.uk

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more .

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We're dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That's why we're a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer - to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk . While adjustments aren't always guaranteed, we'll always listen and we'll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application and Interview information

Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions

• Closing date: 27 th April 2026
• Interview date: TBC

If you experience any difficulties logging in to apply for this role, please contact the HR Systems team at HR.Systems@cumbria.gov.uk.

Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you're interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.

Please read the supporting information:

• Post Specification

Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:

• Our Staff Benefits
• Candidate Support
• About Cumberland Council