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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and develop strategies for growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join TLM, a growing organisation focused on innovative qualifications and learner outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, quarterly travel, and performance-related bonuses.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while advancing your career towards executive leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven operations leadership experience and strong people management skills.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Company Description
TLM is a growing awarding organisation with a mission to support innovative qualifications, empower educators, and enhance learner outcomes. As we scale, we are building a collaborative and agile team that values both professional expertise and the entrepreneurial spirit needed in a dynamic environment.
Role Description
The Head of Operations will be responsible for ensuring that TLM runs smoothly and scales effectively. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will oversee day-to-day operations, staff management, systems development, and organisational growth strategies.
The role requires a leader who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, ensuring TLM continues to deliver excellence to its stakeholders while preparing for expansion. This role has the potential to evolve into a Chief Operating Officer (COO) position as TLM grows, offering the right candidate a pathway into executive leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership
- Lead and manage daily organisational operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across departments.
- Develop and implement operational policies, processes, and systems to support growth.
- Oversee compliance, quality assurance, and risk management aligned to regulatory frameworks.
Team Management
- Line-manage key staff, with responsibility for performance reviews, training, and development.
- Foster a collaborative and positive work culture that encourages accountability and innovation.
- Support recruitment, on-boarding, and retention strategies as the team expands.
Strategic Delivery
- Work with the CEO and directors to deliver the organisation’s strategic plan.
- Monitor KPI\’s and prepare regular performance reports for the board.
- Lead quarterly in-person meetings to align staff, build cohesion, and strengthen organisational culture.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Ensure TLM holds positive relationships with external partners, regulators, and stakeholders.
- Represent TLM professionally at meetings and events.
What we are looking for
- Proven track record in operations leadership, preferably in education, awarding bodies, or not-for-profit/SME environments.
- Strong financial management skills (budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation).
- Digital literacy, with experience in using management systems/CRM for operational efficiency.
- Strong people management skills with experience in growing teams.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to hold multiple priorities, systems, and projects in balance simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on delivery.
- Comfort with hybrid working and willingness to travel quarterly as a minimum for director and team meetings.
Desirable
- Knowledge of qualifications frameworks and regulatory compliance in education.
- Experience in business development or partnership management.
- Previous work in a small but scaling organisation.
Personality Traits / Leadership Style
- Proactive, solutions-focused, and adaptable in a growing organisation.
- Empathetic and people-oriented, able to inspire and support diverse teams.
- Entrepreneurial mindset — enjoys building systems and processes from the ground up.
- Calm and emotionally measured, able to respond to challenges with composure rather than reactivity.
- Strong communicator who can unite remote teams and build cohesion.
- Analytical and systems-oriented thinker, capable of managing multiple moving parts with clarity.
- Forward-thinking, able to anticipate challenges and identify the best long-term solutions.
Contract: Full-time, permanent (subject to 6-month trial period).
Location: Remote with quarterly travel to team/director meet-ups (expenses covered).
Salary: £55,000–£65,000 per annum depending on experience, with scope for review after a successful 6-month period. In addition, the role includes eligibility for an annual performance-related bonus linked to organisational delivery and growth.
Head of Operations employer: TLM - The Learning Machine Ltd
Contact Detail:
TLM - The Learning Machine Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and operations sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers or colleagues. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching TLM thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed teams and implemented operational strategies in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to foster a positive work culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations leadership, especially in education or similar environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at TLM!
Showcase Your People Skills: Since team management is key for this role, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in the past. We love a good story about fostering a positive work culture!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at TLM!
How to prepare for a job interview at TLM - The Learning Machine Ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into TLM's mission and values. Understand their approach to innovative qualifications and how they empower educators. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for Head of Operations, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and fostered a positive work culture. Highlight your ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, as this is key for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. Think of specific scenarios where you've had to navigate challenges in operations or team management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since stakeholder engagement is vital for this role, be ready to discuss your experience in building and maintaining relationships with external partners. Share examples of how you've represented your previous organisations at meetings and events, showcasing your communication skills and professionalism.