Operations Manager - London

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Operations Manager to lead and empower a team of Operations Officers as we transition from Youth Without Limits to World Ready—strengthening our commitment to accessibility while preparing young people with the skills they need for life. In this role, you will oversee a geographically dispersed team supporting a diverse and growing network of Licensed Organisations (LOs) delivering the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE). These partners include schools, colleges, charities, local authorities, youth organisations, and secure settings. As a key member of the leadership team, you will drive performance, champion quality experiences for young people, and play an active role in delivering strategic priorities across the organisation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing, remote team to deliver against SMART objectives and KPIs.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture aligned with DofE values and behaviours.
• Oversee delivery standards, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance across your team’s portfolio.
• Support your team to identify and engage new Licensed Organisations, particularly those supporting strategic growth and accessibility.
• Build and maintain senior stakeholder relationships across partner organisations.
• Analyse performance data and KPIs to drive decision‑making and implement improvement plans.
• Oversee grant processes, including approval, monitoring, and evaluation of funded projects.
• Ensure effective delivery of training pathways across the network.
• Lead and support network engagement activities such as meetings and events.
• Collaborate with leadership colleagues to implement business plans and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to national projects, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent the organisation externally, staying informed on policy developments and sector trends.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience leading and developing geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong track record of coaching and supporting team members to achieve results.
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities—ideally within the third sector.
• Skilled in project planning and delivery with strong attention to detail.
• Experience using data and insights to inform strategy and performance.
• Commitment to quality, continuous improvement, and impact measurement.
• Inspiring and empowering leadership style.
• Strong decision‑making skills grounded in evidence and analysis.
• Passion for increasing access and removing barriers for marginalised young people.
• Self‑motivated, resilient, and positive with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Strategic thinker with flexibility and adaptability.
• Strong communicator, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent project management and prioritisation skills.
• Highly organised, solutions‑focused, and impact‑driven.

Benefits:

• Generous pension contribution.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Healthcare cash plan and volunteer leave.
• 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days paid leave between Christmas and the New Year.
• Buy additional annual leave, benefits discount website, death in service benefit 4 × salary, incapacity benefit, generous family leave and sick leave.

The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.

The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office‑based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.