At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational delivery and inspire a high-performing team at Agent Academy.
- Company: Join a people-first organisation dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, high-spec equipment, and extended festive leave.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving excellence in education and employability programmes.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in leadership, strong operational skills, and a passion for youth development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced, values‑led and highly proactive Head of Programmes to lead the operational delivery of Agent Academy.
This is a leadership role for someone who thrives on creating structure, driving high standards and ensuring programmes are delivered with excellence.
You’ll be equally comfortable with developing robust processes, managing quality and compliance and solving operational challenges as you are with building trusted relationships with team and partners.
You’ll be an experienced people manager with the ability to inspire, support and empower others to achieve their potential while maintaining a culture of challenge, collaboration and continuous improvement.
A strong set of personal values is essential – we’re proudly people‑first, and our values underpin everything we do.
You’ll understand that great operational delivery depends on both rigorous systems and strong partnerships.
Whether you’re working with learners, employers, funders or colleagues, you’ll build confidence through professionalism, responsiveness and integrity.
Commercial awareness is important. You’ll identify opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and help shape our work to meet the needs of employers and funders.
Above all, we’re looking for someone with ambition, sound judgement and the ability to turn strategy into action, someone who can lead with both head and heart while ensuring Agent Academy continues to deliver life‑changing opportunities for young people.
- What you’ll be doing in this role
- Leadership & operational excellence
Operational leadership – lead the operational delivery of Agent Academy, ensuring our programmes continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for young people, partners and funders.
You will report regularly to the Board on progress, performance, impact, risks and future opportunities.
Team leadership – inspire, support and develop a high‑performing team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
You will manage performance, identify development opportunities, recruit outstanding people and empower the team to deliver our strategic ambitions.
Operational management – oversee the day‑to‑day operation of Agent Academy, ensuring programmes are planned, resourced and delivered efficiently.
You will continually improve systems, processes and ways of working to ensure delivery is consistent, scalable and of the highest quality.
Working closely with the team, you will oversee programme schedules, team capacity, budgets and delivery plans, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget.
Quality, compliance & evaluation – champion quality across every aspect of delivery, overseeing compliance, safeguarding, evaluation, reporting and quality assurance processes.
You will use data and insight to drive continual improvement and demonstrate social impact to partners and funders.
Strategic insight – maintain an understanding of the education, employability and skills landscape, interpreting national and regional policy to ensure Agent Academy remains relevant, innovative and responsive to changing needs.
Learner recruitment – oversee the recruitment of learners, ensuring inclusive outreach activity, strong referral partnerships and effective marketing plans that attract diverse and high‑quality applicants.
Partnerships & growth
Relationship management – develop trusted, long‑term relationships with employers, funders, universities and strategic partners, ensuring projects are delivered successfully and partnerships continue to grow.
Business development – working alongside the Partnerships Director, you’ll identify opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones that align with Agent Academy’s mission and strategic objectives.
Employer engagement – work with employers to ensure our programmes continue to meet industry needs, creating meaningful opportunities that improve employment outcomes for our learners.
Marketing & communications – working with your team, you’ll offer direction and support for marketing and communications, ensuring messaging reflects our values, priorities and impact.
External relations – be a figurehead and representative of Agent Academy at external events, steering groups and boards.
Being a spokesperson at events and using your platform to lobby for change or align with external agendas will be crucial.
Creative innovation – encourage continuous improvement across the organisation, using feedback, evaluation and sector insight to evolve programmes, strengthen delivery and identify opportunities for future development.
- What you’ll need
- At least 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership or management role.
- Significant experience delivering education, employability or talent development programmes.
- Strong operational management skills with experience designing and improving systems, processes and programme delivery.
- Experience leading, motivating and developing teams.
- Excellent project management, organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple programmes simultaneously.
- Experience managing quality assurance, compliance, reporting and evaluation processes.
- Outstanding relationship‑building skills with experience managing external stakeholders, partners and funders.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to contribute to partnership development and organisational growth.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with learners, employers, funders and senior stakeholders.
- A good understanding of the employability, education, creative and digital sectors.
- A genuine commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and a passion for creating opportunities for young people.
- A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.
- Ambition, integrity and resilience, with the ability to lead through change while maintaining exceptional standards.
The salary for this role is up to £45k p. a., dependent on experience and ability.
Agent Academy is a people‑focused business, and it’s important to us that we reward our staff.
We do this by offering benefits, including
- 4‑day working week
- High‑spec equipment (Mac or PC)
- In addition to our standard annual leave allowance, we close from 24th December right through the festive period to allow the team time off
Please quote: ‘Head of Programmes’. The deadline for submissions is Monday 27th July.
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Head of Programmes in Liverpool employer: Agent Academy
Agent Academy is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first culture, offering a supportive environment where employees can thrive. With a commitment to professional development and a unique 4-day working week, we empower our team to achieve their potential while delivering impactful programmes for young people. Located in a vibrant community, we foster strong partnerships and provide high-spec equipment to ensure our staff have the tools they need to succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Programmes at Agent Academy!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Agent Academy or be willing to refer you for that Head of Programmes position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Agent Academy who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Programmes star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Programmes role at Agent Academy!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Agent Academy. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agent Academy
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Agent Academy. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
