Operations Manager

Discover the LMP Group: Inspiring Ambition Across the UK
At the LMP Group, we are driven by a singular mission: to inspire ambition. Our three distinct companies - LMP Education, Inspire ATA, and LMP Action - work together to create a profound educational and social impact throughout the UK, fostering positive and sustainable development through collaboration.

Since we were founded in 2004, we've grown into a dynamic team of over 180 dedicated professionals committed to making a difference.

Recognised Excellence
Our commitment to excellence has earned us significant recognition:
* Best Companies 2 Star 'Outstanding to Work For' award 2022
* Named among the Top 100 mid-sized companies to work for in the UK and the Top 50 mid-sized companies to work for in London
* Best Training Provider 2024/25 and Best Apprenticeship Employer 2024/25 at the RateMyApprenticeship awards
* Recruiter of the Year 2024 as part of the Education Investor Awards with Supporting Education Group

We are also proud to hold several prestigious certifications, including:
* Disability Confident Employer
* Investors in People Gold
* Leaders in Safeguarding Gold
* Cyber Essentials
* Living Wage Employer

Join Us on Our Mission
At the LMP Group, we are more than just a collection of companies. We are a community dedicated to empowering others to achieve their fullest potential. Whether you're looking to advance your education, enhance your career, or collaborate on meaningful initiatives, we invite you to join us on our mission to inspire ambition. Together, we can create inspirational journeys and delivery excellence in education.

About the role
As our Apprenticeship Operations Manager, you will have overall responsibility to manage the apprenticeship programmes that we deliver, to support and manage operations within the various departments, and have full responsibility and accountability as detailed below.

You will be the key contact with the client, and will work with our internal and external stakeholders, tutors/coaches and teams to deliver a high standard apprenticeship programme and you will ensure that a positive learning experience is created and delivered.

You will be a reliable and task-oriented Operations Manager, highly motivated, professional, have an appetite to develop, and capable of managing your workload and prioritising tasks in a fast-paced environment.

The newly formed role is introduced to support our growing company which has intentions to service an increased demand for programming, apprenticeships and learner support whilst maintaining quality, integrity and company values.

Main responsibilities (not exhaustive)

• Provide effective operational support of LMP's apprenticeship portfolio, with a focus on exceptional quality of delivery and an outstanding learner experience.
• Monitor performance across apprenticeship delivery, including setting and monitoring targets to deliver positive KPIs.
• Improve delivery models to ensure quality and viability are maintained and meet both employer and learner needs.
• Work collaboratively with other managers/stakeholders within LMP to deliver/develop a cohesive portfolio of services.
• Manage the achievement and EPA process, including managing learners through Gateway, liaising with EPAO's and providing MIS with evidence of achievement, meeting agreed KPI's.
• Full accountability for Functional Skills registrations, exams and ensuring timeliness of exams being sat, ensuring agreed KPI's are met.
• Knowledge and active use of all operational systems including, but not limited to, PICS, Smart Assessor.
• Ensure that LMP delivers exceptional service to internal and external customers through efficient and effective operational activities.
• Implement effective administrative systems and processes which streamline bureaucratic processes to ensure value for money and accountability.
• Be proactive in resource allocation.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance Manager to provide information that supports raising performance levels on all quality standards including Ofsted grading and contractual delivery compliance.
• Work closely with the Operations Director to achieve all tasks for the department.
• Act in compliance with all the relevant statutory provisions, policies and procedures and regulations of both the organisation and its monitoring authorities.
• Comply with all legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure open, transparent and effective communication across the team.
• Model, foster and contribute to the development of the mission, culture and values of LMP.
• Coordinate with the MIS team to produce and use data to benefit good decision making and to ensure this data is used to drive decision making.
• Be proactive in searching for more efficient and effective ways to do things.
• Ensure that the systems structure and staff are in place in LMP to achieve its plan to operate within the mission vision and values of the organisation.
• Understand funding mechanisms and the role that operations play in ensuring accurate draw down payments. Overall responsibility of apprenticeship programme delivery, reporting into the Head of Apprenticeships.
• Ensuring all applicable policies and procedures are in place, in accordance with apprenticeship rules and are audit compliant.
• Ensuring a seamless onboarding of apprentices across all programmes and delivery.
• Accurate and effective management of Management Information System and e-portfolio systems and all LMP required reporting functions.
• Conduct monthly 121 performance management meetings with all tutors/coaches in line with KPI requirements.
• Produce Monthly MI and data reports to inform and manage business overall KPI's.
• To carry out support plans in line with company policies.
• Manage the compliance of all delivery that meets contract, regulatory and budgetary standards and targets.

Additional Responsibilities

• Foster and further develop in LMP a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Where business needs change, to undertake other responsibilities which are of a commensurate level outside the terms of this role profile. This may include supporting other programmes especially during our busy summer period.
• To act within the laws of England & Wales.
• To meet all the requirements of regulatory bodies, in particular Ofsted and the ESFA
• To understand the statutory duties of the Prevent Duty.
• To instil a culture of safeguarding best practice to ensure the safety, protection and wellbeing for all participants, customers, clients, partners, volunteers and staff.
  

Skill's Knowledge & Qualifications

• It is essential that you have a strong background in Operations/Programme Management within the Apprenticeships space.
• You will be confident working with senior level executives across the apprenticeship provision and be able to influence at a senior level.
• Ability to demonstrate extensive knowledge of the Apprenticeships Standards.
• Strong reporting and people management processes.
• It is essential that you have excellent communication skills and proven ability to manage relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• In depth knowledge of Ofsted and ESFA regulations.
• Innate ability to multi-task and prioritise.
• Lead and support the readiness for Ofsted and ESFA inspection and audit in line with LMP quality improvement plan.
• Actively manage the team's performance and wellbeing , ensuring continual feedback and support to ensure performance targets and compliance requirements and consistently met.
• Compiling and producing routine progress reports and report on key metrics and data.
• Managing a team of Tutors/Coaches.
• Working closely with internal and stakeholders.
• Able to uphold a strict level of confidentiality.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Friendly and professional demeanour.
• Ability to take full responsibility and accountability.
• Open, engaging and resilient.
• Highly motivated, challenging situations with tenacity and enthusiasm.
• Show curiosity, energy and a real ambition to deliver.
• Adapt approach to achieve success and with the ability to shrug off criticism and disappointments and to start again.
• Commitment to inclusivity and equality of opportunities for staff.

What's in it for you(remuneration & benefits)?

• £40,000 per annum
• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare Plan once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP.
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary.
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn.

Confidentiality
The post holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about clients, staff and other LMP stakeholders. Some work is confidential, and information gained must not be communicated to other persons except in the recognised course of duty. The post holder must always meet the requirements of the General Data Regulation Act.

Safeguarding, Prevent & Equal Opportunities
The LMP Group are committed to anti-discrimination and equal opportunities for all. We are equally committed to Safer Recruitment Policies, Safeguarding, the Prevent Duty and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust safeguarding processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our staff and volunteers.

Pre-employment checks
Please be aware that upon a successful offer of employment the company completes digitalized right-to-work checks and DBS applications via an external provider.
The company also completes an internal online social media search, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

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