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For Companies 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 required.
- Other info: Located in Canary Wharf, this full-time role offers a competitive salary and growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
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 digital learning and operational management. Understanding how these trends impact the EdTech sector will help you demonstrate your strategic insight during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the Higher Education and EdTech sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the challenges they face, which can give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing stakeholder relationships. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated these areas, as they are crucial for the Operational Lead role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research EducateU (PEN group) thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current projects so you can align your skills and experiences with their goals, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
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 that you meet the qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that outlines your strategic leadership skills and experience in managing multidisciplinary teams. Be specific about how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Operational Lead role.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: In your application, include specific examples of past achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and develop operational frameworks. Quantify your successes where possible.
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 Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of the Operational Lead position. Familiarise yourself with EducateU's mission and how this role contributes to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented operational strategies or improved team performance.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Experience
Since the role involves forging partnerships and managing accreditation relationships, come ready with examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Questions on Digital Systems
Given the emphasis on digital service delivery, be ready to discuss your understanding of digital platforms and how you've contributed to enhancing user experience in past positions.
