Hiring a strong Apprenticeship Operations Manager is vital to ensuring smooth delivery, compliance, and learner success across apprenticeship programmes. Whether you’re scaling nationally or enhancing internal quality, this role is your operational anchor.
At the National Skills Agency, we work with training providers of all sizes to help shape operations teams — starting with well-written, high-performing job specs.
Why a Clear Operations Manager Job Spec Matters
This is a senior role often responsible for:
-
Performance management
-
Resource allocation
-
Ofsted and ESFA readiness
-
Staff coordination
-
Cross-team efficiency
A clear and detailed job specification helps you attract organised, high-performing candidates who can lead by example.
Job Title Examples
-
Apprenticeship Operations Manager – National Delivery
-
Head of Apprenticeship Operations | Remote with Travel
-
Delivery & Operations Lead – Apprenticeship Programmes
Example Job Overview
We are seeking a proactive Apprenticeship Operations Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of our apprenticeship provision. You’ll be responsible for managing performance, ensuring compliance, and supporting high-quality learner outcomes across multiple sectors and delivery models.
Key Responsibilities
-
Oversee day-to-day operations of apprenticeship delivery
-
Line manage delivery staff, coaches, assessors, and support teams
-
Monitor KPIs including learner progress, timely completions, and retention
-
Ensure ESFA compliance and support Ofsted inspection readiness
-
Drive continuous improvement across delivery models
-
Collaborate with curriculum and quality leads
-
Produce performance and progress reports for senior leadership
Required Skills & Experience
-
Proven experience in apprenticeship operations or delivery management
-
Strong knowledge of ESFA funding rules and Ofsted EIF
-
Confident leader with experience managing delivery teams
-
Ability to interpret data and make strategic decisions
-
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Need Support Writing or Recruiting?
The National Skills Agency specialises in connecting training providers with experienced operations professionals who understand apprenticeship funding, inspection frameworks, and learner management. Whether you’re expanding or refining, we’ll help you get the right leadership in place.
Get in touch: info@nationalskillsagency.co.uk
www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk
Top 10 tips for successful recruiting
Here are my top 10 tips for successful recruiting:
1. Craft Clear Job Descriptions: Define roles with precise job descriptions outlining responsibilities, required skills, and the company culture to attract suitable candidates.
2. Leverage Diverse Platforms: Utilise multiple channels—job boards, social media, professional networks, specialist recruiters —to reach a wider pool of talent and increase visibility.
3. Strong Employer Branding: Highlight the company's values, mission, and workplace culture to appeal to candidates seeking alignment beyond just a job.
4. Streamline the Selection Process: Design an efficient and swift recruitment process. Avoid lengthy closing dates. If the right candidate appears offer them!
5. Prioritise Diversity and Inclusion: Actively promote diversity in your hiring practices by fostering an inclusive environment and implementing strategies to attract diverse talent.
6. Engage Passive Candidates: Build relationships with potential candidates, even if they're not actively seeking jobs, to create a talent pipeline for future roles.
7. Offer Competitive Salaries and Benefits: Stay in tune with the market to attract and retain top-tier talent.
8. Implement Effective Screening Techniques: Use assessments, case studies, and skill-specific evaluations to gauge candidates' abilities accurately.
9. Promote Employee Referrals: Encourage current employees to refer potential candidates, as they often bring in experienced candidates who align with the company culture.
10. Provide a Positive Candidate Experience: Ensure a smooth and respectful recruitment journey, regardless of the outcome, to maintain a positive image and potentially attract future applicants. A candidate shares a poor experience with many of their network and it is hard to win back that positive image.
Implementing these tips can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your recruiting efforts. Remember we are as good as the people we hire and develop. It’s worth getting it right! To chat about recruiting in the Apprenticeship, EdTech, Awarding or Training sector just reach out to me on: spencer@nationalskillsagency.co.uk 020 3953 1984 https://www.nationalskillsagency.co.uk/
