At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and create inspiring environments for learners at ONELAB.
- Company: Join ONELAB, a pioneering college redefining education for neurodivergent young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a unique creative learning environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in an innovative educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while shaping the future for young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations, facilities, or business management; strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
ONELAB College is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to help build and protect the environments that make innovative education possible for young people aged 16–25 with SEND.
About ONELAB:
ONELAB College exists to redefine education for neurodivergent young people. We combine creative education, enterprise, design studios, production workshops, retail, live social shopping, employability, and real-world learning into one integrated learner experience. Every environment is designed to prepare learners for adulthood, employment, and independence—not simply qualifications.
The Opportunity:
As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of ONELAB. You will ensure every learner, member of staff, and visitor experiences an organisation that is:
- Safe
- Organised
- Professional
- Well-maintained
- Operationally excellent
- Ready for learning every single day
You will oversee everything that keeps ONELAB operating effectively, from Health & Safety and facilities management through to compliance, ICT coordination, enterprise operations, and environmental standards. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems, and building systems that enable people to do their very best work.
What You’ll Be Responsible For:
- Operational Leadership
- Health & Safety & Compliance
- Facilities & Estates
- Creative Studios & Enterprise Operations
- ICT & Infrastructure
- Asset Management
Who We’re Looking For:
We are looking for someone who combines operational excellence with innovative thinking. You should be highly organised, dependable, proactive, and possess excellent problem-solving skills. You will thrive in fast-moving environments and be comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
A Different Kind of Operations Role:
Every day at ONELAB is different. You may be coordinating contractors, supporting preparations for a live retail event, reviewing Health & Safety procedures, or planning improvements to learner environments.
What Success Looks Like:
You will know you’re succeeding when:
- Staff trust operational systems because they work.
- Learners experience calm, safe, and professionally maintained environments every day.
- Problems are prevented rather than reacted to.
- Health & Safety becomes part of everyday culture.
- Equipment, facilities, and resources are consistently operational and well maintained.
- Enterprise activity runs smoothly.
- Compliance is always inspection-ready.
- Operational improvements become continuous rather than occasional.
Why Join ONELAB?
This is an opportunity to help build something genuinely different. You will join an ambitious organisation that’s challenging traditional education and creating meaningful pathways into employment and independence for young people with SEND.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary: £36,000–£50,000 per annum, dependent on qualifications, skills, and experience. Full-time, on-site position based in Tower Hamlets, East London. Initial 12-month fixed-term contract with the opportunity to become permanent, subject to organisational requirements and successful performance.
Ready to Help Build the Future of Education?
If you’re an experienced operational leader who thrives on creating safe, efficient, and inspiring environments—and you’re excited by the opportunity to help redefine education for neurodivergent young people—we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the team that’s building the future of creative SEND education.
Key Information:
Applications Close: Friday 10 July 2026 at 5:00pm. In-Person Interview Week for Shortlisted Candidates: 13-17 July 2026.
Operations Manager employer: ONELAB COLLEGE
At ONELAB College, we are redefining education for neurodivergent young people, creating a vibrant and innovative environment where learners thrive through real-world experiences. As an Operations Manager, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to fostering creativity and enterprise, with ample opportunities for professional development and career progression in the heart of East London. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture that values operational excellence and continuous improvement.
