At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategies and manage high-performing teams to deliver accredited qualifications.
- Company: Join EducateU, a forward-thinking organisation focused on digital learning and educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous annual leave, pension schemes, discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of education with impactful digital solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business Administration or Education Management; leadership experience preferred.
- Other info: On-site role in Canary Wharf, London, with a salary range of £40,000 - £45,000.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: On-site (Canary Wharf, London)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Reports To: Director of E-Learning
Role Purpose
The Operational Lead is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and management of the operational framework of EducateU (PEN group). The postholder will ensure effective operational delivery by leading high-performing teams, developing processes, and fostering stakeholder partnerships to support the delivery of accredited qualifications through a robust digital platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead the design and execution of operational strategies to support the organisation’s short- and long-term goals.
- Establish policies, procedures, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure efficient and compliant service delivery.
- Contribute to organisational planning, risk management, and governance.
- Team Management & Development
- Recruit, train, and manage multidisciplinary teams, embedding a culture of performance, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee staff performance reviews and development planning in line with organisational objectives.
- Partnerships & Accreditation
- Forge strategic partnerships with chartered and professional bodies to secure programme accreditation and ensure ongoing compliance.
- Represent EducateU (PEN group) in external audits and accreditation engagements, maintaining trust and transparency with accrediting partners.
- Digital Systems & User Experience
- Collaborate with web development and IT teams to deliver a seamless, user-friendly digital experience.
- Oversee backend infrastructure, data integrity, and platform performance to meet academic and administrative requirements.
- Financial & Resource Management
- Manage departmental budgets, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and achieving value-for-money across operational activities.
- Monitor financial performance and provide regular reporting to the Director of E-Learning.
- Operational Compliance
- Implement systems to monitor, evaluate, and report on operational performance against internal and external benchmarks.
- Ensure adherence to all relevant legislative, regulatory, and quality frameworks.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Education Management) (E)
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field e.g. Leadership, Business, Education, Digital Learning or equivalent experience (D)
- Experience in a senior operations or administrative leadership role (E)
- Experience leading teams and supporting professional development (E)
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and managing accreditation relationships (D)
- Track record of building operational systems from the ground up (D)
- Strong understanding of digital service delivery and platform management (E)
- Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight (E)
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills (E)
- Strategic planning and project management experience (E)
- Commitment to equality, sustainability, and continuous improvement (E)
- Experience in the Higher Education or EdTech sectors (D)
Benefits:
- Annual leave (5.6 weeks) + bank holidays.
- Workplace pension scheme.
- Company Sick Policy
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
- Career development opportunities
- Training and self-development opportunities.
- Gym membership discounts
- Retail discount schemes
- Cinema discounts
- Grocery discounts
- Cycle to work
- Investing and savings opportunities
- Financial wellbeing – personal debt advice.
- Financial wellbeing education
- My Mind Pal (mental fitness)
Operational Lead employer: Planet Education Networks
Contact Detail:
Planet Education Networks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operational Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in operational management and digital service delivery. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to our strategic goals during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the EdTech sector, especially those involved in accreditation and partnerships. Building these connections can provide you with insights into the industry and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed projects in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in team management and operational compliance will demonstrate your capability to excel as our Operational Lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Research EducateU (PEN group) thoroughly, including our mission, values, and recent developments. Showing that you understand our organisation and its goals will set you apart and show your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Operational Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operational leadership, team management, and digital service delivery. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that outlines your strategic vision for the role. Discuss how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the Operational Lead and how you can contribute to EducateU's goals.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of past successes in managing teams, developing operational frameworks, or securing accreditations. Quantify your achievements where possible to make a stronger impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for the Operational Lead position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Planet Education Networks
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Operational Lead position. Familiarise yourself with strategic leadership, team management, and digital systems as these are key areas the company will focus on during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or managed projects. Highlight how you fostered a culture of performance and continuous improvement, as this aligns with the company's values.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with budget management and financial oversight. The company will likely want to know how you can ensure value-for-money across operational activities, so have specific examples at hand.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role, prepare to talk about your experience in building partnerships and managing accreditation relationships. Show that you understand the importance of trust and transparency in these interactions.