At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead apprenticeship programmes and ensure quality delivery across Scotland.
- Company: Join GP Strategies, a leader in learning and development for over 60 years.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives while driving business success.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing apprenticeship programmes and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
- Description
- About GP Strategies – The Learning Velocity Company™
In a world moving at the pace of AI, GP Strategies is The Learning Velocity Company™—amplifying human potential at the speed of opportunity.
For over 60 years, we’ve brought together some of the brightest minds in learning and development.
Today, we’re evolving that legacy for an AI-first world—where skills change rapidly, business strategies shift constantly, and continuous learning is no longer optional.
From upskilling workforces to enabling enterprise transformation, we partner with global leaders to ensure their people are always ready for what’s next.
Above all, we are a trusted partner—helping organizations navigate complexity, embrace change, and lead with confidence.
GP Strategies is also one of the Scotland’s leading apprenticeship training providers and have been delivering apprenticeships for over 25 years.
We work with a large volume of employers and young people delivering high quality training and apprenticeships with an achievement rate that exceeds the national average.
The Opportunity
As Operations Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the operational performance, quality, compliance, and growth of our apprenticeship and workforce development provision across Scotland.
Working closely with the Service Delivery Manager and Business Development Manager, you will provide leadership across programme delivery, contract management, stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
You will play a critical role in ensuring we consistently exceed contractual expectations while delivering outstanding learner experiences and supporting business growth.
Being offered on a hybrid basis, you'll spend 2-3 days per week with the team at our office in Stirling, Scotland.
Travel throughout Scotland to customer, learner, employer, and stakeholder locations is also required.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Contract & Stakeholder Management
- Lead the effective management of the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) contract, ensuring full compliance with funding requirements, performance measures, and contractual obligations.
- Act as a key point of contact for SDS and other external stakeholders.
- Lead contract review meetings, performance updates, and change management activities.
- Monitor performance against starts, completions, spend, and contractual KPIs.
- Ensure audit readiness and adherence to all funding and compliance requirements.
- Operational Leadership
- Oversee the successful delivery of apprenticeship and employability programmes across Scotland.
- Support the achievement of learner recruitment, retention, progression, completion, and certification targets.
- Drive operational performance and implement improvements that enhance learner and customer outcomes.
- Ensure effective workforce planning, resource allocation, and programme delivery.
- Quality & Compliance
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement through quality action planning and performance reviews.
- Ensure compliance with SDS requirements, awarding body regulations, internal quality processes, and GP Strategies policies.
- Oversee certification activity, external verification visits, and centre compliance requirements.
- Maintain robust operational policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Financial & Performance Management
- Support budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Monitor contract performance, funding utilisation, and operational efficiency.
- Work closely with Finance to oversee purchase order and invoicing processes.
- Ensure accurate learner administration, reporting, claims, and performance data.
- People Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop the Service Delivery Manager and Business Development Manager.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, employee development, and succession planning.
- Conduct performance reviews and lead regular operational meetings.
- Create an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture focused on accountability and excellence.
- Business Growth & Customer Success
- Partner with the Business Development Manager to support growth opportunities and customer retention.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, customers, and strategic stakeholders.
- Support bid activity, tenders, and employer engagement initiatives.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to promote programmes and enhance market presence.
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience
- Proven experience managing apprenticeship, training, skills, or workforce development programmes.
- Strong knowledge of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funding rules and apprenticeship delivery requirements.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing operational teams.
- Sound understanding of quality assurance, compliance, and regulatory requirements within vocational education and skills.
- Experience managing performance against contractual KPIs and service level expectations.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving capability.
Desirable
- Experience within a private training provider environment.
- Knowledge of Scottish employability programmes.
- Experience managing awarding body or external verification requirements.
- Leadership or management qualification.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience supporting business development, account management, or tender activity.
Why Join GP Strategies?
At GP Strategies, you'll be part of a global organisation that is passionate about learning, transformation, and helping people achieve their full potential.
We offer meaningful work, the opportunity to make a measurable impact, and the chance to work alongside talented professionals committed to excellence.
Our culture is built on collaboration, continuous learning, innovation, and accountability.
#LI-LC1
Operations Manager - Apprenticeships Scotland in Stirling employer: GP Strategies Corporation
At GP Strategies, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the learning and development sector, particularly in Scotland where we have been delivering high-quality apprenticeships for over 25 years. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while fostering a collaborative culture that prioritises continuous learning and professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners and employers alike, all while working with a team dedicated to excellence and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Apprenticeships Scotland in Stirling
✨Maximise Your Local Education Network
Tap into your school or college’s career services as they often have connections with local education businesses, including potential apprenticeship opportunities. Attend any workshops or career fairs they host, as they can be a goldmine for meeting representatives from companies like GP Strategies Corporation.
✨Show Off Your Passion for Digital Learning
Get involved in online communities that focus on digital learning and education. Join forums, participate in webinars, and contribute to discussions on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. This not only gives you insider knowledge but also shows companies like GP Strategies Corporation that you're genuinely engaged in the field.
✨Be Ready for a Practical Assessment
Since this is an apprenticeship, be prepared to showcase your skills through practical assessments or tasks during interviews. Research common tasks in the digital-learning space and practice how you’d approach them, as this will help you stand out when applying to GP Strategies Corporation.
✨Craft Your Application for Impact
When applying for the apprenticeship, tailor your application to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have with digital tools or teaching methods. Personalise it for GP Strategies Corporation, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for both education and technology!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Apprenticeships Scotland in Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning:When applying for an apprenticeship in digital learning and education, make sure to highlight your passion for education and technology. We want to see how motivated you are to grow and learn throughout your apprenticeship with us at GP Strategies Corporation.
Include Relevant Projects.:If you've worked on any tech-related projects or created educational content, definitely mention those! These can really demonstrate your skills and understanding of digital learning tools, which is crucial for the role of Operations Manager - Apprenticeships Scotland.
Be Clear About What You Want to Learn:In your cover letter, don’t be shy about sharing what you hope to achieve during your apprenticeship. Whether it’s mastering certain tools or gaining teaching experience, we want to know how you plan to make the most of your time with us at GP Strategies Corporation.
Polish Your CV for Education:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant education or certifications that pertain to digital learning. This could include your coursework, any workshops you attended, or even online courses – anything that shows your dedication to the field and your readiness for an apprenticeship.
How to prepare for a job interview at GP Strategies Corporation
✨Show Your Passion for Digital Education
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for digital learning shine through. Share experiences where you've used online tools or platforms, or even projects where you created educational content. This will show GP Strategies Corporation that you're not just looking for any role, but you genuinely care about making a difference in the digital education space.
✨Prepare for Scenario-based Questions
Given that it's a digital learning role, expect scenario-based questions that will test your problem-solving skills. Think about situations where you've had to adapt to new technologies or engage with learners remotely. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to thrive in an ever-evolving digital environment!
✨Highlight Your Learning Agility
As an apprentice, you’ll need to show your eagerness to learn. Discuss any relevant courses you've taken, online certifications, or workshops that can highlight your commitment to professional growth. Let GP Strategies Corporation know you're ready to absorb knowledge like a sponge!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Brush up on popular digital education tools that might be relevant to the role, such as LMS platforms, video conferencing tools, or content creation software. We might even get into technical discussions about these tools in the interview, so being able to articulate your thoughts and experiences with them will definitely give you an edge!
