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- Tasks: Lead daily operations and develop strategies for organisational growth.
- Company: Join TLM, a dynamic awarding organisation focused on innovative qualifications.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work, quarterly travel, and performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while growing into an executive leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven operations leadership experience and strong people management skills.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture with excellent career advancement opportunities.
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. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.
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 sectors. 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 teams in the past. We love seeing how you foster collaboration and innovation!
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 demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨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 in operations or team management, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since strong financial management is key for this role, brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've allocated resources effectively in past positions and how you can apply that experience to TLM's growth strategies.