At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance operational excellence in vocational education.
- Company: Join City & Guilds, the UK's top vocational Awarding Organisation, driving impactful change.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly office environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations management experience, strong leadership, and data analysis skills required.
- Other info: Office-based role in Wakefield; occasional travel may be needed.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
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Join a purpose-driven organisation at the forefront of vocational education. As the UK’s leading vocational Awarding Organisation, we’re on a mission to deliver operational excellence with integrity, efficiency, and impact. We’re transforming our operations into a centre of excellence—and we’re looking for a dynamic, forward-thinking Technical Operations Manager to help drive that change.
This is more than just an operations role. You’ll be a key player in shaping the future of our Centre Operations function, ensuring we deliver high-quality services that meet the needs of learners, centres, and regulators. Based in our Wakefield hub, you’ll lead a team of Operations Managers, Coordinators, Administrators, and Technical Leads—empowering them to deliver seamless, efficient, and compliant processes throughout the year.
The practical bits:
- This is a full-time, office-based role in Wakefield (Office Hub is located at WF1 2UF).
- Our Centre Operations team works Monday to Friday 08:00 – 18:00.
- Occasional travel may be required for internal and external meetings.
- We are currently unable to offer hybrid or remote working for this position.
- We’re a dog friendly office, so there may be dogs onsite on certain days.
As we’re an Awarding Organisation we have a number of high-stakes qualifications including T Levels and our workload peaks during the late Spring / early Summer. Our teams are expected to provide additional flexibility during this time.
if you are working as a Lead Operations Manager, Technical Operations Manager, Operations Delivery Manager or similar and you have strong technical and delivery skills we would like to hear from you!
This appointment will be made on merit.
We believe that diversity and inclusion strengthen and enriches us, and that it is the responsibility of everyone at City & Guilds to drive this value. As ethnic minority groups and disabled people are currently under-represented, we particularly encourage and welcome applications from these communities.
Experience
Experienced
Type of role
Permanent
Full-time or part-time
Full-time
Location – Country
UK
Location – City
Wakefield
Business Unit
COO
21/07/2025
Vacancy ref
8112
Documents
- Role Profile
(PDF , 175.27kb)
About the role
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Oversee complex centre facing operations, including second-line support, exam and assessment evidence returns, and results delivery.
- Drive process improvements using your technical acumen and data analysis skills to streamline workflows and enhance performance.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with assessment and technical teams to ensure smooth delivery of high-stakes qualifications.
- Champion quality and compliance, ensuring all processes meet regulatory and internal standards.
- Contribute strategically to workforce planning, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the development of a learning culture.
About you
- Proven experience in a senior operations management role, ideally within education, assessment, or a regulated environment.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and support multi-disciplinary, multi-location teams.
- Excellent problem-solving and organisational abilities, with a sharp eye for detail.
- Proficiency in data analysis and Excel-based tools (including Power Query), with the ability to manage and interpret complex data sets.
- Confident communicator and relationship-builder, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Skilled in risk and issue management, with a proactive approach to mitigation and resolution.
Our story and mission
To find out more about City & Guilds please click on the following link:
About us | City & Guilds
What we offer
We offer the opportunity to work in an innovative, engaging and market-leading organisation with opportunities to develop your existing skills and explore new ones.
You’ll receive an excellent benefits package which typically includes a great base salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, private healthcare, volunteering opportunities and much more.
We welcome a discussion about how this role could work flexibly for you. For example work pattern, hours or location.
Next steps and how to apply
If you think this is the role for you then we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and complete our short application form using the apply button.
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Technical Operations Manager employer: The City & Guilds Group
Contact Detail:
The City & Guilds Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in vocational education and operational excellence. Understanding the current landscape will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to our mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated and inspired your team to achieve operational goals, as this is crucial for the Technical Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data analysis skills, especially with Excel and Power Query. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in managing and interpreting complex data sets will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to quality and compliance. Think of examples where you've successfully implemented processes that meet regulatory standards, as this is a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations management, particularly within education or regulated environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for vocational education. Mention how your values align with the organisation's mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
Highlight Technical Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in data analysis and tools like Excel, especially Power Query. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to drive process improvements in previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Include specific instances where you've motivated multi-disciplinary teams to achieve operational excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at The City & Guilds Group
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research the organisation's mission and values. As they are focused on vocational education, be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of operational excellence and impact.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Operations Manager, you'll need to lead a diverse team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've motivated and supported teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments like education or assessments.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Acumen
Since the role requires strong technical skills, brush up on your data analysis capabilities, particularly with Excel and tools like Power Query. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these skills to drive process improvements in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management skills. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges in operations, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.