Operations Manager - UK and Ireland

Overview

COMPANY
For more than 50 years, MLA World has been bringing cultures together through education and world travel. We are focused on growing global citizens through English language learning abroad and safe, culturally immersive youth programming. We are an international team that enjoys sharing culture, travel stories, and working with young people.

COMPANY MISSION STATEMENT
MLA – Move Language Ahead, trading as Go Languages Worldwide Ltd, provides premier international study abroad programs with safety, education, and cultural immersion. We design and deliver high-quality residential language experiences for students aged 11–17 across the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and Italy.

LOCATION
This is a remote position requiring you to work from home with reliable internet and mobile service. Candidates based in the United Kingdom are preferred, but not required.

SCHEDULE
This is a full-time, 44-hour-per-week position. A flexible schedule is required to meet operational demands, especially during the summer. Additional hours, including weekends or evenings, may be necessary.

TRAVEL
You will support program operations across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and at the head office in Italy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

As the Operations Manager, you should hold an undergraduate degree or have at least three (3) years of experience in the Junior ESL sector, specifically within residential spring and summer schools. You are expected to embody MLA values, serving as a positive role model for colleagues, customers, and business partners while representing the company professionally.

• Excellent communication (verbal and written); organization, and attention to detail
• Superior relationship building
• Self-motivation
• Multi-tasking
• Ability to maintain organisation of business contacts (companies, contact names, emails, and phone numbers)
• Composure under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to uphold professionalism with all stakeholders including employees, vendors, and guests

The candidate must

• Hold a valid UK passport or possess the legal right to work in the UK.
• Successfully complete an Enhanced DBS check (or international equivalent, if applicable).

Key Position Accountabilities

Client Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with college and university conference managers.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with industry influencers and key suppliers (attractions and transportation providers).
• Ensure a consistent corporate image across product lines, materials, and events.

Recruitment

• Support the creation and updating of job descriptions for UK operations roles.
• Coordinate posting and distribution of job advertisements to attract qualified candidates.
• Maintain accurate applicant records in the MLA applicant tracking system.
• Assist with recruitment, selection, and onboarding of UK operations employees.

Operational Tasks

• Manage bookings, organise timetables, and coordinate attractions and transportation.
• Support accreditation processes by preparing documentation and ensuring compliance with standards.

Financial Responsibilities

• Assist with contracting, booking, confirmation, and payment of excursions and transportation services.
• Manage receipt collection and oversee bi-weekly reconciliation of employee corporate cards.
• Support petty cash reconciliation and bookkeeping duties to maintain accurate financial records.

Training

• Assist in planning and coordinating training for all UK operations positions.
• Oversee collection and verification of required employment documentation to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Contribute recommendations for content development in the MLA employee handbook.

Supervisory

• Support staffing, training, and performance evaluations to ensure consistency across operations programs.
• Act as a liaison between the UK operations team and other departments within the company.

Other duties

This job description is not designed to cover every possible activity, duty, or responsibility. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation

We offer a competitive salary package reflective of experience, along with a performance-based bonus scheme tied to client satisfaction.

Equality Statement

MLA is committed to equality of opportunity and a fair, respectful environment free from unlawful discrimination on grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, disability (including mental health), sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, social class, or offending history. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive workplace.