Operations Manager - Leicester OR Alcester

Operations Manager - Leicester OR Alcester

Leicester, United Kingdom | Posted on 04/04/2025

• Salary From £35,000 per annum + bonus (dependent on experience)
• Country United Kingdom
• Postal Code LE1

Job Description

Operations Manager – Employability & Skills

Location: Leicester or Alcester (with regional travel across the Midlands)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: From £35,000 per annum + bonus (dependent on experience)

About the Role

LT Selection is proud to be recruiting exclusively on behalf of our client – a purpose-driven organisation committed to delivering impactful outcomes through employability programmes.

We’re seeking a motivated and experienced Operations Manager to oversee the performance and development of delivery teams supporting unemployed individuals through government-funded employability contracts. You’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring operational excellence, team leadership, compliance, and stakeholder engagement across key sites in the Midlands region.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience managing contracts such as Restart, Work and Health, or similar initiatives within the skills and employment space.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Delivery & Operational Oversight

Ensure full compliance with programme contracts, guidance, and performance frameworks

Build and maintain strong working relationships with Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, employers, and referral partners

Monitor and manage contractual performance, service quality, and financial efficiency

Lead regular internal reporting, performance reviews, and compliance audits

Collaborate with internal and external partners to support participant progression into employment or training

Maintain accurate, audit-ready records and reports across delivery locations

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and promote a quality-driven culture

Lead, coach, and support teams including Team Leaders, Employment Coaches, and Administrators

Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and observations to support team development

Set clear KPIs and performance expectations in line with contractual outcomes

Foster a high-performing, inclusive team culture that supports staff wellbeing

Support staff with ongoing professional development and CPD activity

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a key point of contact for local and regional stakeholders

Promote partnership working across the sector to strengthen participant referral pathways

Represent the organisation at meetings, events, and forums as required

Operational Excellence

Ensure each delivery site is well-managed, safe, and compliant with all safeguarding and H&S requirements

Oversee financial claims, reporting schedules, and contribution to budget management

Promote innovation, collaboration, and accountability across delivery

About You

Proven experience managing delivery within employability, skills, or public services

Strong working knowledge of employability programmes (e.g., Restart, Work and Health)

Effective leadership, coaching, and people management skills

Ability to build partnerships with external agencies, employers, and referral networks

Confident in monitoring performance against KPIs and contract requirements

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office and case management systems

Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally

Knowledge of the local labour market and training providers

Understanding of welfare benefits systems and barriers to employment

First Aid or Mental Health First Aid trained

Experience leading quality or compliance improvements in a contract-led environment

Why Join?

Opportunity to lead impactful work that supports people into meaningful employment

Join a values-led team with a strong culture of collaboration and continuous improvement

Competitive salary with performance bonus

Professional development and leadership growth opportunities