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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 required.
- 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, it’s all about 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 skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We want to see your proactive and solutions-focused mindset in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
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 how your experience aligns with the Head of Operations role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to TLM, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Since this role is all about operational leadership, let us know how you lead teams and manage projects. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support diverse teams, as well as how you handle challenges with composure.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our dynamic team 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, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their focus on innovative qualifications and learner outcomes will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As the Head of Operations, you'll need to balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style, particularly how you've fostered a collaborative culture and managed teams effectively in previous roles.
✨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 successfully navigated challenges, implemented operational policies, or improved team performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management
Since stakeholder engagement is key for this role, be ready to discuss your experience in building positive relationships with external partners. Share examples of how you've represented your organisation professionally and maintained strong connections in past positions.