JOB DESCRIPTION AKG Group UK Company: AKG (UK) Learning LTD Position Title: Operations Director Job Level 4 Role Status: F/T Reports To: AKG (UK) Chief Operating Officer Roles Reporting to this Position: AKG Learning Head of Operations, Operations Manager (Employability & ESOL) Primary Objective: The role is accountable for the effective delivery of AKG Learning’s operational contracts, including those elements delivered on our behalf by subcontractors and associates, ensuring the organisation meets and exceeds both its contractual and commercial expectations as well as all performance, compliance and quality metrics. Most notably the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework, Ofsted, contract milestones and internal primary KPIs. The role holder will be an ambassador for innovation and change, leading the function to drive efficiencies and performance, whist upholding high quality and compliance standards across the learner journey. Reporting directly to the AKG (UK) Chief Operating Officer, the post holder will be accountable for the operational performance of the organisation and be expected to lead in key presentations and discussions with the AKG UK Leadership team and wider AKG leadership as appropriate. Key Relationships/Interactions Internal AKG (UK) Country Manager and Chief Operating Officer AKG (UK) Business Leadership Team (BLT) AKG Learning’s Operations Management Team AKG Learning’s Sales Management Team AKG Learning’s Skills Governance Board AKG (UK) Functional Leads and wider teams as required Wider international AKG business entities Safeguarding business leads and the Learning Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) External Commissioner Partners, e.g. DfE, DWP, GLA Subcontractors/Supply Chain organisations Prime Contractor Senior Leaders Industry best practice organisations Operational peers from wider delivery network Safeguarding authorities and networks Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Planning: •Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company’s goals and objectives linked to the delivery of core products and services including funded and commercial contracts. •Collaborate with BLT to define the company's strategic direction and ensure operational plans support overall business strategy. •Lead the mobilisation of new contracts, products and services. •Identify opportunities for contractual improvements that address both performance and quality metrics and identify efficiency enhancements. •As part of the Skills Governance Board, adopt a proactive approach to embed good governance principles across the operations function. •Lead on the ongoing of identification and mitigation of operational risk. 2. Operational Management: •Oversee the day-to-day operations across direct delivery functions including the line management of the Senior Operations Team. •Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational performance and identify areas for improvement. •Implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent and efficient workflows in line with commissioner and company requirements. •Manage resources effectively to optimise productivity and ensure alignment with customer and contractual requirements and company headcount plans. •Ensure compliance with relevant contract and business quality standards, including Ofsted, DfE Funding Rules and the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework. •Act as the Executive Safeguarding Lead (ESL) for the business, providing strategic oversight, support, and escalation pathways, working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and reporting into Group-level safeguarding structures. 3. Team Leadership: •Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing operations team. •Set clear expectations, provide guidance, ensuring teams are supported and mentored. •Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and employee engagement. •Identify training needs and coordinate professional development opportunities for team members. •Lead the delivery of strategies that are aligned to staff engagement, retention and wellbeing, including the promotion of the Ambassadors scheme. •Create an environment and working practice that facilitates the greatest possible impact on the apprentices and learners we support. 4. Stakeholder Management: •Collaborate with key stakeholders, such as DfE, DWP, GLA, JCP, LEP’s and others, to align operational activities with contractual goals. •Establish and maintain relationships with external partners, subcontractors, associates and key account customers. •Lead the process to address customer complaints or issues related to operations, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. •Support the bid team in the capacity of Subject Matter Expert (SME), providing examples, case studies, sector insights, reviewing potential opportunities, identifying new relevant products and services and leading the profiling process. Essential/Desirable Skills, Knowledge and Experience Essential •Proven senior operations leadership and management experience at director level, within a skills and apprenticeship provider. •Experience in working collaboratively across a range of groups, with differing priorities. •Ability to work at a high level independently, as well as working as part of a wider team. •Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. •Excellent leadership, team management, communication and interpersonal skills. •Experience of supporting the development and mobilisation of bids and tenders. •Experience of supporting the Nominee to prepare for and during Ofsted inspections. •Solid understanding of financial management and budgeting principles. •Proficiency in data analysis and performance metrics, with an ability to covert insight into meaningful strategies to enhance operational delivery. •Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. •Ability to travel across the UK as required/agreed to meet business priorities. Desirable •Proven senior operations leadership and management experience in Employability. •Experience of operational delivery in our primary sectors. •Experience of DfE or similar audits. •Experience of managing Safeguarding within an adult education setting. Compliance It is the responsibility of all staff to abide by organisational policies to ensure compliance with relevant standards e.g. ISO 27001 (Information Security), ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environmental) as well as adhering to statutory duties in relation to safeguarding, Prevent and health and safety.