Operations Director at UK Language Courses (UKLC)
Head of Operations
About UKLC: UKLC is a leading provider of English language summer courses for young learners, offering immersive language experiences at locations across the UK. Our mission is to deliver high‑quality educational experiences that combine English language learning with cultural immersion, providing a safe, dynamic environment where students can grow and develop.
Our aims are simple: to Educate, Inspire and Enrich future generations. We are passionate about providing life‑changing experiences for young international learners.
Job Description
Job title: Head of Operations
Contract Type: Permanent
Reporting to: Operations Director
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week. As this is a senior role within UKLC, the successful candidate will need to work at least 4 days a week. Additional hours will be required during busy operational periods.
Salary: £35,000‑£40,000 Per annum based on experience
As the Head of Operations, you will play a key leadership role in supporting the Operations Director to optimise the operational processes and ensure the smooth running of UKLC’s summer school programmes, and assist them in managing day‑to‑day operations while focusing on continuous improvement and process efficiency.
You will have oversight of strategic and long‑term operational improvements, with a strong emphasis on streamlining workflows, implementing data‑driven processes, and managing large‑scale logistical operations. Your role will focus on the optimisation of internal systems, particularly using Excel to improve tracking, reporting, and decision‑making.
The role has a strong focus on optimising large‑scale logistical operations, including accommodation, transport, student welfare, staffing, and budgeting. You will streamline workflows, implement data‑driven processes, and improve internal systems—particularly through advanced use of Excel—to enhance tracking, reporting, and decision‑making.
You will support the operational and sales teams, ensure consistency and quality across centres, and maintain smooth delivery in a fast‑paced environment. Ultimately, you will be responsible for improving operational efficiency and delivering an exceptional experience for students, Group Leaders and the UKLC team by careful planning, programme preparation and communication within UKLC and external partners.
This is an exciting opportunity in a fast‑paced environment and the successful applicant will play a key role within the UKLC team. You will act as a Regional Operational Support for a number of our summer schools including extensive travel and overnight stays during the busy periods.
Key Responsibilities
1. Support Operations Strategy & Oversight:
* Collaborate with the Operations Director to develop and execute the operational strategy for UKLC’s summer school programmes, ensuring that all processes align with the company’s strategic goals.
* Assist in setting key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational goals for the summer school programmes, helping to ensure that all targets are met and performance is continuously monitored.
* Provide recommendations to the Operations Director on process improvements based on data analysis and insights gained from Excel‑based tracking systems.
2. Excel & Data-Driven Process Optimisation:
* Take the lead in refining and streamlining Excel-based operational systems to improve reporting, resource management, and performance tracking across all aspects of the summer school programmes.
* Develop automated reports and dashboards in Excel that help the Operations Director and senior leadership team make informed, data‑driven decisions on logistics, staffing and resource allocation.
* Use Excel to identify operational bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and propose solutions to automate or streamline key tasks.
3. Logistical Planning & Coordination:
* Assist the Operations Director in overseeing the logistics of accommodation, transportation, catering, and other operational requirements, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and cost‑effectively.
* Collaborate with the Operations Director to plan large‑scale operations, such as student arrivals and departures, and support the operational teams in managing any operational challenges ensuring clear communication and execution of all plans.
* Oversee the planning and execution of operational schedules, ensuring all resources are allocated appropriately and timelines are adhered to.
4. Team Support & Development:
* Act as a Regional Operational Support for a number of our summer schools including extensive travel and overnight stays during the busy periods.
* Support the Operations Director in managing and developing the operational team, assisting with the recruitment, training and performance management of staff members.
* Help to foster a positive, collaborative culture by encouraging team members to use Excel and other tools to improve their operational processes and report progress.
* Provide guidance to team members on how to optimise their own use of Excel, ensuring that everyone is equipped to contribute effectively to operational goals.
5. Financial Reporting & Budget Monitoring:
* Work with the Operations Director and Finance Manager to manage the operational budget for UKLC’s summer school programmes, ensuring that all expenditures are tracked accurately and align with financial goals.
* Use Excel to track and report on spending related to accommodation, staff, transport and other logistical costs, helping to ensure that budgets are adhered to and identifying any potential savings opportunities.
6. Quality Assurance & Process Improvement:
* Continuously monitor operational performance, identifying areas where processes can be improved to increase efficiency and enhance the quality of the student experience.
* Implement process improvements and best practices across various operational areas, ensuring that all logistical tasks and activities run smoothly.
* Conduct post‑programme evaluations and gather feedback from staff, students and parents to inform future operational strategies. Report findings to Senior Management Team.
7. Health & Safety & Risk Management:
* Work with the Operations Director to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining accurate and up‑to‑date records in Excel for all relevant operational activities.
* Assist in developing and maintaining risk management systems to track and document incidents, accidents, any safety concerns and ensure emergency procedures are in place and are adhered to at all times.
* Support the Operations Director in preparing for health & safety audits, ensuring that all necessary documentation is accurate and ready for review.
Key Skills & Experience
* Advanced Excel Skills: Strong proficiency in Excel, including advanced functions such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros, and formula building. Experience in developing dashboards, automating reports, and tracking operational data to optimise efficiency.
* Operational Leadership: Proven experience in operational management, with at least 3 years in a senior role within a similar educational, events, or hospitality environment.
* Strong Communication: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to support and engage with internal teams and external stakeholders effectively.
* Attention to Detail & Organisation: Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities effectively.
* Problem‑Solving & Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify patterns, and implement process improvements. Skilled in troubleshooting operational challenges using data‑driven insights and provide effective, practical solutions in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
* Team Management: Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in recruiting, training, and developing staff.
* Financial Acumen: Experience in budget tracking, cost management, and financial reporting, particularly using Excel and ensuring that operational activities stay within financial constraints already set.
* Health & Safety Awareness: A good understanding of health and safety regulations, especially in an educational or residential setting.
* Customer‑Centric Approach: A focus on delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring a positive experience for students, staff, and stakeholders.
* Logistical Coordination: Strong understanding of logistics, resource allocation, and large‑scale event coordination. Experience in managing accommodation, transportation and group activities is preferred.
* Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work with a diverse team and student body, demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity in all interactions.
* Process Improvement Mindset: Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and a results‑driven approach to operational excellence.
Benefits
* Competitive salary based on experience
* Opportunities for professional development and career progression
* Meals provided during operational periods
* Accommodation provided for the duration of the summer programme (if applicable/where necessary)
* A vibrant, multicultural work environment
This job description is an outline of your main responsibilities. Within the context of your contract of employment, the company may, within reason, request you undertake other tasks and duties as needs dictate.
To Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and why you’re the ideal candidate for this role to recruitment@uklc.org.
Deadline for Applications
16:00 - 5th January 2026
Interview Dates
6th – 9th January 2026
Start Date
Immediately
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Education Administration Programs
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