At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in delivering top-notch Learning & Development services for a defence client.
- Company: Join Guidant Global, a forward-thinking company with a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, attractive benefits, and strong career development opportunities.
- Other info: Experience a supportive environment that values curiosity and genuine human connection.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping a new service line and building trusted client relationships.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in operations or service delivery, with proven leadership and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid — Luton with occasional travel to Stevenage
Salary: Competitive + Attractive Benefits Package
Contract: Permanent
About the Opportunity
Guidant Global has been awarded an exciting new contract to deliver a defence client’s full Learning & Development (L&D) administration service, covering approximately 16,000 annual training bookings. We are now seeking an experienced Client Services Manager to lead this high‑profile service line, ensuring exceptional delivery, seamless operations, and strong client engagement from day one. This is a pivotal role with real impact — you’ll shape a newly launched service, lead a dedicated team, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, and champion continuous improvement across all elements of the L&D operation. If you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, love building structure from complexity, and bring a calm, solutions‑led leadership style, this is an opportunity to elevate and influence a growing area of our Services Procurement business.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the end‑to‑end outsourced L&D administration service for a defence client
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and service excellence
- Build strong, trusted partnerships with senior client stakeholders
- Drive SLA and KPI performance, implementing improvement plans where needed
- Lead production of MI reporting, insights, and quarterly business reviews
- Develop, mentor and empower the SRM, Team Leader, and Coordinator team
- Manage supplier relationships, onboarding, governance, and performance
- Identify opportunities for process optimisation and innovation
- Support financial processes, including invoicing and aged debt resolution
- Act as an escalation point for service issues, risks and operational challenges
- Champion Impellam’s values: Push Boundaries, Take Ownership, Create Impact, Stay Human
Job requirements
Essential:
- 5+ years’ experience in operations, managed services, or service delivery
- Proven leadership skills with experience developing teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication
- Strong analytical ability and skilled in Excel, reporting and MI
- Experience improving processes and driving service performance
- MSP/shared services experience
- Eligible for Security Clearance (SC)
Desired:
- L&D or training operations background
- Defence or public sector exposure
- Supplier management or project management experience
Why Join Us?
You’ll be stepping into a role that offers:
- The chance to shape and grow a newly launched service line
- Visible impact with a long‑standing, high‑trust client
- A collaborative, values‑driven team that supports innovation and autonomy
- Strong development pathways within Services Procurement
- A culture that celebrates curiosity, impact, and genuine human connection
Ready to Make an Impact? If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional service and want to be part of building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you.
Client Services Manager in Luton employer: HeadFirst
Contact Detail:
HeadFirst Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Services Manager in Luton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Client Services Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to Learning & Development and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve led teams, improved processes, or built strong client relationships. This will showcase your leadership style and problem-solving abilities, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Client Services Manager in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Client Services Manager role. Highlight your experience in operations and service delivery, and don’t forget to showcase those leadership skills we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about L&D and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and improve processes. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HeadFirst
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their approach to Learning & Development, especially in the defence sector. This will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams and improved service delivery in previous roles. Highlight your experience in managing operations and building relationships with stakeholders, as this is crucial for the Client Services Manager role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in service delivery or client management. Think about past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated complex situations and be ready to share those stories.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about their current challenges in L&D administration or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.