Operational Programme Manager

Location: Hybrid (flexible but must be aligned to one of the FI Ltd Group centres).

Reporting to: Director of Operational Impact

Contract type: Permanent

About First Intuition

Founded in 2007, First Intuition (FI) is an award-winning, UK-based provider of predominantly accountancy training and apprenticeships that has recently extended its services to offer skills and qualifications across the financial, leadership and digital sectors. Our success is due to our approach to training and our links with businesses. We work closely with organisations to precisely understand their needs and incorporate these into innovative course designs, where the interaction with students is tailored, personal and reflects their specific circumstances. This approach has led to First Intuition being awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted.

Purpose of the role

This group-wide role within the Business Operations team serves as the bridge between project completion and long-term operational capability. The successful candidate will ensure that as projects transition to “Business as Usual”, they are seamlessly documented and communicated to ensure effective implementation. They will act as a facilitator of change, ensuring that operational teams are supported and informed as they adopt new ways of working.

Role Responsibilities

• Operational Transition and Handover: Partner with the project team to ensure no knowledge is lost between project closure and operational launch. Translate complex project outcomes into high-quality user-friendly operational documentation and records. Proactively identify implementation barriers and work with the Director of Operational Impact to design and communicate practical mitigation strategies.
• Stakeholder Coordination and Communication: Act as the primary integrator for the Business Operations team, synthesising departmental plans into a single, cohesive roadmap. Analyse and map the ripple effects of various workstreams to ensure group-wide teams can plan their workload effectively. Draft clear, engaging updates regarding operational changes, tailored specifically to the needs of the target audience (from frontline delivery to senior leadership). Drive momentum post-rollout by proactively following up on actions with stakeholders and monitoring process adherence. Track and report on success metrics, presenting data in a visual, “action-oriented” format for management teams.
• Planning and Timeline Management: Coordinate and visualise complex timelines for operational teams, ensuring high levels of clarity and accessibility. Work across multiple, concurrent rollout projects, balancing competing deadlines with a focus on business-critical impact. Provide agile support to the COO on ad-hoc strategic tasks and high-priority operational initiatives.
• Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement, actively seeking feedback to refine processes and raising the bar for operational standards. Provide and receive constructive feedback with transparency and professionalism. Maintain a solutions-oriented approach that prioritises the end-user experience (client, learner, team).

Skills & Experience Required

• Knowledge of accountancy qualifications and apprenticeship standards.
• Strong programme or project planning and coordination skills with a proactive and hands‑on approach.
• Exceptional written skills with experience of simplifying complex plans.
• Advanced prioritisation skills, comfortable managing multiple “moving parts” in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration experience and stakeholder management.
• Data‑driven mindset; comfortable using tools to track success metrics.
• Computer literate.
• Right to live and work in the UK, UK based.

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave (based on fulltime hours) PLUS bank holidays
• 3 FI Days per year
• Hybrid working available on non‑teaching days, equipment provided for homeworking
• Flexible‑working positive employer with a range of family‑friendly policies
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24‑hour confidential access to counselling and support services
• Competitive Pension
• Private Medical Insurance
• Training and development opportunities
• Long term career prospects in a growing company
• Employee perks including a range of discounts to suit your lifestyle

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting young people and vulnerable adults and follow Safer Recruitment processes. All successful candidates will need to complete a DBS check, with some roles requiring an Enhanced check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. First Intuition collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. First Intuition does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.