At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional development.
- 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.
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 in Dartford employer: TLM - The Learning Machine Ltd
TLM is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and agile work culture, empowering its team to innovate and excel in the education sector. With a strong focus on professional development and a clear pathway to executive leadership, employees can thrive in a supportive environment that values both expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. The remote working model, combined with quarterly team meet-ups, ensures flexibility while maintaining strong connections among colleagues.
Contact Detail:
TLM - The Learning Machine Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Dartford
✨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. This will demonstrate your ability to balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, just like they need!
✨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 in Dartford
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 this role involves team management, don’t forget to emphasise your people management skills. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive work culture and supported team growth – we love hearing about that!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We appreciate straightforward communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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, make sure you research TLM thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Operational Scenarios
Given the operational leadership focus of the role, think about specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed operations or led a team. Be ready to discuss how you developed policies or improved processes, as this will demonstrate your hands-on delivery skills.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
As the Head of Operations, you'll be managing key staff. Prepare to talk about your approach to team management, including how you handle performance reviews, training, and fostering a positive work culture. Share anecdotes that highlight your empathetic and people-oriented leadership style.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about TLM's future growth strategies or how they measure success in their operations. This shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the organisation's long-term vision.
