At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hearings operations and ensure high-quality, efficient, and fair hearings.
- Company: Join the General Optical Council, a key regulator for optical professions in the UK.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on continuous improvement and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by promoting high standards and protecting the public.
- Qualifications: Experience in team management and operational roles within regulatory or legal frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The General Optical Council (GOC) is the statutory regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct amongst opticians. We are on a journey to become a world-class regulator and are seeking an Operations Manager (Hearings) to play a key role in delivering high-quality, efficient, and fair hearings. This role is responsible for leading hearings operations, ensuring cases are managed effectively and in line with statutory requirements, while fostering continuous improvement, strong team performance, and excellent stakeholder experience.
Key Accountabilities
- Hearings are delivered within agreed KPIs, timelines, and quality standards, with robust governance and minimal disruption or delay.
- High levels of stakeholder satisfaction, evidenced through effective communication, professionalism, and positive feedback from panel members, registrants, and representatives.
- A motivated, engaged, and high-performing team, with clear objectives, regular performance management, and demonstrable development outcomes.
- Operational and strategic risks are proactively identified, assessed, and effectively mitigated, ensuring continuity of service and organisational confidence.
- Continuous improvement initiatives are implemented, resulting in measurable efficiencies, enhanced service quality, and improved stakeholder experience.
- Hearings are delivered in a way that is fair, accessible, and inclusive, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Essential Skills/Experience/Qualifications
- Proven experience leading and managing teams, including coaching, performance management, and development.
- Experience working within a regulatory, legal, or statutory framework, including interpreting legislation and procedural rules.
- Strong operational management experience, ideally within hearings, tribunals, or case management environments.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate professionally and sensitively with a wide range of audiences.
- Demonstrable ability to deliver high-quality, customer-focused services and improve processes.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions and manage performance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Case Management Systems.
- Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and their application in a regulatory or hearings environment.
- Project management experience is desirable.
Closing date for applications is 24 July 2026 11:59pm, please note we reserve the right to close the role early dependent on number of applications. Please note that your application will only be considered if it includes both CV and a cover letter. The cover letter should be no longer than 2 A4 pages and must demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria of this role.
Operations Manager (Hearings) - 6 Months FTC in London employer: The General Optical Council
The General Optical Council (GOC) is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and professional growth. As a statutory regulator for the optical professions in the UK, we offer our employees the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work environment that prioritises continuous improvement and stakeholder satisfaction. With a focus on employee development and a commitment to high standards, working at GOC means being part of a team that values your contributions and encourages your career progression.
Contact Details:
The General Optical Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager (Hearings) - 6 Months FTC in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager (Hearings) - 6 Months FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The General Optical Council
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from The General Optical Council.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show The General Optical Council that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
