IRIS Software Group is one of the UK's largest privately held software companies, trusted by 100,000+ businesses, schools and accountancy firms to keep their operations running. Our software pays 1 in 6 UK employees, supports over 12,000 schools, and is relied on by 91 of the top 100 UK accountancy firms.
We're a Great Place to Work® certified employer, recognised for our commitment to well-being, inclusion and development - and we're growing fast.
Looking for a part-time role where great organisation and people support make a real difference? Join IRIS Software Group as an L&D Associate and help colleagues across the business access apprenticeship and sponsored study opportunities that build skills, confidence and careers. Based in Manchester on a hybrid basis, this 20-hour-a-week role offers variety, ownership and the chance to become a trusted point of contact for learners, managers and external providers.
🧾 Why This Role Matters
Our apprenticeship and sponsored study programmes involve much more than enrolment. Learners need timely support, providers need clear answers, records must be accurate, funding and spend need careful tracking, and important deadlines cannot slip. You will help keep that whole learner journey moving, combining empathetic case management with dependable programme administration, reporting, financial tracking and compliance support. It is a role where attention to detail has a direct impact on people’s development experience.
👥 About the Team You'll Join
You will join our Global Talent & L&D team and work across IRIS with learners, line managers, programme providers and other stakeholders. The role is part-time at 20 hours per week. The job description recommends spreading those hours across four to five days, while the hiring discussion confirmed flexibility and a preference for coverage across at least three days. Your exact working pattern will be agreed with the line manager, taking account of caseload and peak periods.
📊 What You'll Be Doing
Act as a trusted first point of contact for learners, managers and providers, answering programme, eligibility, funding and next-step queries.
Support learners sensitively when they are absent, disengaged or experiencing personal difficulties, escalating higher-risk cases appropriately.
Coordinate applications, enrolments, progress, completions, pauses and withdrawals, chasing approvals, forms and evidence where needed.
Maintain accurate learner information and reconcile internal trackers with provider, Cascade and DAS records, investigating discrepancies.
Monitor purchase orders, invoices, actual and forecast spend, maintaining a clear audit trail and flagging risks or variances early.
Produce management information and support improvements to learner communications, webpages, FAQs, campaigns and programme processes.
🔎 What We’re Looking For
You may already work in learning or education, but that is not the only route into this role. We are interested in people whose experience shows strong organisation, care for others and confidence managing detailed, deadline-driven work.
Experience in case management, learner or student support, or similarly sensitive administrative work.
Strong attention to detail and confidence maintaining reliable learner and financial records.
The ability to manage a caseload independently and prioritise effectively when deadlines compete.
Clear, confident communication with learners, managers and external providers, including sensitive conversations.
Familiarity with apprenticeship administration, levy-funded programmes or similar compliance-led processes would be an advantage, rather than an essential requirement.
🚀 Why Join Us?
This is a varied role with a clear connection to people’s growth and career development. You will gain an end-to-end view of apprenticeship and sponsored study programmes, build relationships across IRIS and develop experience spanning learning operations, programme governance, stakeholder support, management information and financial administration. The part-time structure may also suit someone looking to bring valuable experience back into the workplace or combine work with other commitments, while taking ownership of meaningful work.
📝 What Can You Expect From Our Application Process?
We like to keep things simple, transparent and fair:
1️⃣ Apply Online
Upload your CV and tell us why this opportunity interests you and why you feel you would be a good fit.
2️⃣ Initial Conversation (plus Online Assessments)
You will complete two online assessments unless you completed them within the last 12 months, followed by an informal conversation with one of our Talent Acquisition Partners.
CCAT: a 15-minute timed assessment. We recommend a quiet space with pen and paper.
EPP: an untimed assessment you can complete at your own pace.
3️⃣ First-Stage Interview
A structured conversation with members of the hiring team about your experience, approach to learner support and how you organise competing priorities.
4️⃣ Final-Stage Interview
A final conversation with a senior member of the Talent team. We will confirm the format and attendees in advance.
Ready to help people across IRIS learn, progress and build their careers? Apply online and tell us what you could bring to the role.
Impact: Your work will influence millions globally.
Growth: Continuous learning and career development opportunities.
Belonging: A culture that celebrates diversity and empowers every individual.
Click Apply - we’re excited to learn about your unique perspective and experience. If you need adjustments during the process, let us know. We’re committed to making this opportunity accessible to everyone.
Our process is designed to be fair, transparent and straightforward. Stages vary depending on the role — more senior positions may involve additional steps, and some areas include role-specific assessments such as a technical test or case study — but typically you can expect:
Application review — we assess your experience and potential
Initial call — a short conversation to learn about you and share more about the role
Skills assessment — tailored to the position, e.g. case study, coding challenge or portfolio review
Final interview — meet the team and explore how you'll make an IMPACT at IRIS
We'll always walk you through the specific stages at the start of the process so you can prepare with confidence.
If you need any adjustments or accommodations during the process, let us know, we’re committed to making this experience accessible for everyone.