Operations Manager
Our operations team sets the benchmark for efficiency, innovation, and outstanding service. This is your chance to play a key role in shaping how we deliver services that matter.
As an Operations Manager based in our Wakefield Hub, you’ll make sure our processes run smoothly, efficiently, and compliantly. You’ll manage a team of Operations Administrators and Coordinators, working across multiple systems and utilising customer-facing examination and assessment platforms. You will collaborate with technical and delivery teams to keep everything on track. If you love solving problems, working with data, and improving processes, this role is for you.
We’re looking for someone with a broad mix of sound technical and data capability. What we mean by this is that alongside leadership and management skills, you must be good with data management and analysis, proficient with excel and be able to pick up new systems quickly.
If you thrive on making processes work better, enjoy working with data, and want to be part of a team that’s shaping the future of operational delivery, we’d love to hear from you.
The practical bits:
- This is a full-time role, based at our hub in Wakefield (located at WF1 2UF).
- Our operating hours are Monday to Friday 08:30 – 17:00 but we flex this during summer, therefore your contract will reflect these arrangements.
- Our team is hybrid, working three days in the office per week (Tuesday to Thursday) and two days from home (Monday and Friday). Please note however that all contracts are office based.
- Occasional travel may be required for internal and external meetings.
Note: Our Wakefield office is dog friendly - so don’t be surprised if your meeting includes a wagging tail or two. We firmly believe in pawsitive vibes at work!
As we’re an Awarding Organisation we have a number of high-stakes qualifications including T Levels and our workload peaks during the late Spring / early Summer. Our teams are expected to provide additional flexibility during this time, working longer hours and sometimes on weekends to meet the needs of the business.
At City & Guilds we recognise that an unconditional commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) is fundamental to delivering our purpose of helping people, organisations and economies develop the skill they need for growth, and this extends to all people, organisations and wider stakeholders we work with, wherever we work.
We feel that it is important that City & Guilds is an organisation that reflects the diversity of modern society and is an inclusive organisation that ensures that everyone is supported so that they can achieve their best.
We encourage and welcome applications from members of underrepresented communities.
City & Guilds are a Disability confident employer. Please let us know if you require any support/adjustments at your interview and if successful any adjustments needed to support you in your role. If this is required, please email; careers@cityandguilds.com
About the role
- Oversee complex centre-facing operations, including second-line support, exam and assessment evidence returns, and results delivery.
- Manage and motivate your team, setting priorities and monitoring performance, and the development of a learning culture.
- Use data analysis and reporting to identify trends, resolve issues, and drive improvements.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with technical and assessment teams to ensure smooth delivery of high-stakes qualifications.
- Champion compliance and quality standards, ensuring processes meet regulatory requirements.
- Support automation and process improvements to reduce manual work and increase efficiency.
About you
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills with a sharp eye for detail.
- Proficient in Excel and data tools.
- Comfortable learning new systems quickly and working across multiple platforms.
- Experienced in managing teams and driving performance.
- Excellent communicator and relationship-builder, able to influence stakeholders.
- Proactive and adaptable, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Our Story and Mission
To find out more about City & Guilds please click on the following link:
What We Offer
We offer the opportunity to work in an innovative, engaging and market-leading organisation with opportunities to develop your existing skills and explore new ones.
You’ll receive an excellent benefits package which typically includes a great base salary, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, private healthcare, volunteering opportunities and much more.
Next Steps and how to apply
If you think this is the role and organisation for you then we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and complete our short application form using the apply button.
We shortlist for our vacancies on an ongoing basis, and we may close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. Please can you submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.