At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operational projects to ensure successful delivery and measurable impact.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Higher Education Partners, making a real difference in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health programme, pension contribution, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be the driving force behind key initiatives and influence how we operate.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you the person who makes things happen? We’re looking for an Operations Manager who thrives on turning ideas and initiatives into well-organised, measurable and successful operational delivery. At Higher Education Partners (HEP UK), we’re growing, evolving and constantly looking for better ways to support our students, university partners and commercial teams. This is a key role at the heart of that activity. You’ll work across the business to take agreed Contact Centre and commercial initiatives from idea through to launch and beyond — making sure the processes, people, systems, data, communications and reporting are all ready to go. You’ll be the person asking: What needs to happen? Who owns it? What could go wrong? Is everyone ready? And are we measuring the impact? If you’re highly organised, commercially minded, analytical and love bringing structure to complex projects, we’d love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Own the operational planning and delivery of key Contact Centre and commercial initiatives.
- Project manage initiatives from planning and implementation through to launch and post-launch review.
- Make sure campaigns, promotions, pricing changes and new initiatives are fully operationally ready before launch.
- Coordinate processes, scripts, training, systems, website content and communications across multiple teams.
- Manage timelines, dependencies, risks, actions and change control.
- Work closely with senior leaders and functional teams to keep delivery on track.
- Ensure campaign, promotion and pricing changes happen exactly when they should.
- Build and maintain clear operational processes, workflows and ownership arrangements.
- Develop reporting and measurement to understand whether initiatives are delivering the intended impact.
- Monitor operational SLAs and resolution times, identifying issues and driving them through to resolution.
- Use data to identify opportunities to improve operational performance, accuracy and efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for automation and smarter ways of working.
- Lead effective post-implementation reviews and ensure initiatives are properly closed and embedded.
What we're looking for:
We're looking for someone who can bring structure, pace and accountability to a fast-moving environment. You'll have:
- Proven experience managing operational projects or initiatives in a commercial, Contact Centre or similarly fast-paced environment.
- Strong project management skills, with experience managing multiple stakeholders, deadlines, dependencies and risks.
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to turn data into clear actions.
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and data analysis.
- Strong process design and continuous improvement experience.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Exceptional organisation and attention to detail.
- A strong understanding of change control and operational readiness.
- The confidence to challenge, escalate and keep things moving when delivery gets off track.
It would be great if you also have:
- Experience within Higher Education, EdTech or OPM.
- A Project Management, Lean or Six Sigma qualification.
- Experience working with CRM, digital communications or operational technology projects.
What you'll get:
- £44,000 – £50,000 DOE.
- Office based – St Albans.
- 6% employer pension contribution.
- Health & wellbeing programme.
- Free flu vaccinations.
- Employee discounts.
- Employee referral scheme.
- Sick pay.
- On-site parking.
Why HEP UK?
You'll be joining a growing Higher Education business where things move quickly and your work will genuinely make a difference. This is an opportunity to work across teams, influence how we operate and play a key role in making sure our biggest initiatives are delivered properly — on time, on track and with measurable impact. If you're a natural organiser, problem-solver and project driver who enjoys getting stuck in and making things happen, we want to hear from you. HEP UK is committed to diversity and inclusivity. Apply now and tell us what you can bring to HEP UK.
Operations Manager in St Albans employer: Higher Ed Partners
Higher Education Partners (HEP) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in St Albans where you can thrive as an Enrolment Team Manager. With a strong focus on employee development, HEP provides comprehensive health and wellbeing support, generous annual leave that increases with service, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join a culture of high accountability and support, where your leadership skills will directly contribute to the success of aspiring students and the growth of the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in St Albans
✨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 Operations Manager at Higher Ed Partners!
✨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 Higher Ed Partners or be willing to refer you for that Operations Manager 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 Higher Ed Partners who’s on the lookout for their next Operations Manager 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 Operations Manager role at Higher Ed Partners!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in St Albans
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 Higher Ed Partners. 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 Higher Ed Partners
✨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 Higher Ed Partners. 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!
