Operations Manager – Study Programmes
Location: Ipswich
Salary: up to £38,000pa
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role:

We are recruiting for an experienced and passionate Operations Manager to lead the delivery of Study Programmes, including provision for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated education professional who is passionate about creating positive learner outcomes, maintaining high-quality educational standards, and leading a dedicated team. The successful candidate will oversee centre operations, curriculum delivery, quality assurance, learner performance, and staff development while ensuring compliance with funding, safeguarding, and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, support, and manage staff to deliver outstanding teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Monitor performance and provide coaching, guidance, and professional development opportunities.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff development activities.
• Manage employee performance, attendance, and wellbeing.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.

Curriculum & Quality Management

• Lead the delivery and development of high-quality Study Programmes, including SEND provision.
• Ensure curriculum delivery meets learner needs and supports positive progression outcomes.
• Monitor learner progress, attendance, retention, and achievement.
• Conduct observations of teaching, learning, and assessment activities.
• Support quality improvement initiatives, self-assessment processes, and action planning.
• Ensure compliance with awarding organisation and inspection requirements.

Centre Operations

• Oversee day-to-day centre operations, administration, and learner services.
• Ensure the learning environment is safe, secure, and well-maintained.
• Promote and maintain high standards of safeguarding, Prevent, health and safety, and equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Support learner admissions and onboarding processes.

Performance & Data Management

• Analyse learner and centre performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Produce accurate reports relating to attendance, achievement, retention, progression, and operational performance.
• Use data to drive continuous improvement and support strategic decision-making.

Funding & Compliance

• Support contract and funding compliance activities.
• Ensure learner records, documentation, and evidence are accurate and up to date.
• Assist with audits and external quality reviews.
• Monitor performance against key targets and funding requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build positive relationships with employers, local partners, education stakeholders, and external agencies.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and networking opportunities.
• Support the promotion and development of educational programmes within the local community.

What We’re Looking For:
Essential

• Experience in an educational leadership or management role.
• Experience working with Study Programmes and/or SEND provision.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, Prevent, and learner welfare responsibilities.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Experience managing teams and driving performance improvements.
• Ability to analyse data and make informed decisions.
• GCSE Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable

• Teaching qualification or educational leadership qualification.
• Experience within further education, training, employability, or skills provision.
• Knowledge of funding and quality assurance requirements within post-16 education.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about supporting learners to achieve positive outcomes.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities.
• Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
• Able to inspire both learners and colleagues.

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on learners’ lives.
• Lead a committed and supportive team.
• Professional development and progression opportunities.
• Work within a growing and innovative educational environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

  
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or to apply please contact Tiff Bennett on 07593 692814 or email tbennett@trigonrecruitment.co.uk