Lead Operations Manager
Join our purpose driven organisation at the forefront of vocational education. As the UK's leading vocational Awarding Organisation, we're on a mission to deliver operational excellence with integrity, efficiency and impact. We're transforming our operations into a centre of excellence and we are looking fore a dynamic, forward thinking Lead Operations Manager to help drive that change.
This is more than just an operations role. You'll be a key player in shaping the future of our Centre Operations function, ensuring we deliver high quality services that meet the needs of learners, centres and regulators.
Based in our Wakefield hub, you'll lead a team of Operations Managers, coordinators, Administrators and Technical Leads - empowering them to deliver seamless, efficient and compliant processes throughout the year.
The practical bits:
* This is a full-time 35 hours per week office-based role in Wakefield (Office Hub is located at WF1 2UF).
* Our Centre Operations team works Monday to Friday 08:00 – 18:00.
* Occasional travel may be required for internal and external meetings.
* We are currently unable to offer hybrid or remote working for this position.
* We’re a dog friendly office, so there may be dogs onsite on certain days.
As we’re an Awarding Organisation we have a number of high-stakes qualifications including T Levels and our workload peaks during the late Spring / early Summer. Our teams are expected to provide additional flexibility during this time.
Please note that we shortlist applications on an ongoing basis and depending on volume we may close the advert early, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. This appointment will be made on merit.
We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthens and enriches us, and that it is the responsibility of everyone at the City & Guilds to drive this value. As ethnic minority groups and disabled people are currently under-represented, we particularly encourage and welcome applications from these communities.
City & Guilds are a Disability confident employer. Please let us know if you require any support/adjustments at your interview and if successful any adjustments needed to support you in your role. If this is required, please email; careers@cityandguilds.com
Experience
Experienced
Salary
£50,000
Type of role
Permanent
Full-time or part-time
Full-time
Location - Country
UK
Location - City
Wakefield
Business Unit
COO
Closing date
22/06/2025
Vacancy ref
8092
Documents
* Role Profile
(PDF, 175.27kb)
About the role
* Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
* Oversee complex centre facing operations, including second-line support, exam and assessment evidence returns, and results delivery.
* Drive process improvements using your technical acumen and data analysis skills to streamline workflows and enhance performance.
* Collaborate cross-functionally with assessment and technical teams to ensure smooth delivery of high-stakes qualifications.
* Champion quality and compliance, ensuring all processes meet regulatory and internal standards.
* Contribute strategically to workforce planning, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the development of a learning culture
About you
* Proven experience in a senior operations management role, ideally within education, assessment, or a regulated environment.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and support multi-disciplinary, multi-location teams.
* Excellent problem-solving and organisational abilities, with a sharp eye for detail.
* Proficiency in data analysis and Excel-based tools (including Power Query), with the ability to manage and interpret complex data sets.
* Confident communicator and relationship-builder, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
* Skilled in risk and issue management, with a proactive approach to mitigation and resolution.
Our story and mission
To find out more about City & Guilds please click on the following link:
About us | City & Guilds
What we offer
We offer the opportunity to work in an innovative, engaging and market-leading organisation with opportunities to develop your existing skills and explore new ones.
You’ll receive an excellent benefits package which typically includes a great base salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, private healthcare, volunteering opportunities and much more.
We welcome a discussion about how this role could work flexibly for you. For example work pattern, hours or location.
Next steps and how to apply
If you think this is the role for you then we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and complete our short application form using the apply button.