Learning and Development Operations Manager

Full Job Description

Job Title: Learning and Development Operations Manager

Location: Bolton

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Bolton, Hybrid Working - 2 days minimum in the office

Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum dependent on experience

We are seeking a talented Learning and Development Operations Manager to join our team here at Outcomes First Group! 

Outcomes First Group is dedicated to giving neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations. As the largest and most reputable organisation in our sector, we offer education and care from early years through to further education. 

Our three expert-led brands – Acorn Education, Options Autism, and Momenta Connect – we deliver dedicated, specialist services that enable all those we educate to overcome barriers, develop and flourish, and achieve their personal goals. 

Job Purpose: 

As the Learning and Development Operations Manager at OFG, your mission is to spearhead the operational support that underpins the delivery of our cutting-edge learning and talent strategy. Managing a large remote-based team, you'll drive excellence in customer service, ensure seamless processes, and proactively plan for future strategic needs. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping a culture of continuous learning and development within OFG.

The role reports into the Head of Learning, Talent and Development who reports directly through to our Head of HR Operations. You will have exposure to our SLT and will need to be confident in delivering to senior stakeholders.  

Core Role Responsibilities: 

As our Learning and Development Operations Manager you'll be at the forefront of operational support, ensuring the seamless delivery of our learning and talent strategy. Leading a large remote-based team, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping our success. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing day-to-day leadership and line management to our remote L&D operational team.
• Driving exceptional customer service and experience through optimized processes and systems.
• Forward planning to anticipate and meet future strategic requirements.
• Managing budget spend and ensuring financial accountability.
• Owning and optimizing our Learning Management System (LMS) for maximum effectiveness.
• Rapid response support for OFSTED visits and other critical situations.
• Overseeing key operational activities, including triage, customer service inquiries, and colleague induction programs.
• Scheduling and coordinating training sessions to meet the needs of the business.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Proven leadership experience in a similar role, managing large remote-based teams.
• Track record of delivering exceptional customer service and quality standards.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage difficult situations effectively.
• Experience in all aspects of people management, including recruitment, performance management, and employee relations.
• Proactive, organized, and detail-oriented approach to work.
• Driven, self-motivated, and able to influence and collaborate effectively.
• Passion for putting the customer experience at the heart of everything you do.
• Previous knowledge or experience in education or care environments.

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.

There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world

Why Join us? 

Our Vision

We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world.

Our Mission

Every day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning.

Our Promise

We are kind to ourselves and each other...We work together... and we make things happen.

Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave. 

It represents what’s truly important to us as individuals and as a team. It is easily translatable into behaviours we all practice and experience every day. It's the golden thread that runs through every leader, team and individual.

How do we achieve and deliver the 'Incredible'?

We are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities and care for neurodivergent young people. Our focus is on ensuring that each of our pupils has access to learning that is tailored to their needs, enabling them to overcome specific barriers, achieve personal goals, and celebrate their successes. At the heart of everything we do is the individual pupil.

We are committed to staying up to date with the latest developments in SEN education, and we continuously strive to innovate our approach and empower our teams to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils. Our multi-disciplinary teams bring together an array of specialisms and expertise, collaborating to find a route to success for every pupil, whatever that may mean for them.

Our efforts are paying off - in the last academic year alone, we educated over 3,000 neurodivergent pupils, and 98% of our schools were given an Ofsted rating of good or outstanding. Even more importantly, 100% of our leavers go on to employment, education, or training - a significantly higher rate than the national average.

We firmly believe that our young people possess great potential, and we are committed to helping them fulfil it. 

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to apply for this rewarding position.

Why work for us?

Your wellbeing is very important to us, and we know that being able to choose the benefits that suit you and your family will support your wellbeing. 

Whatever your role and wherever you’re located, you’ll love VISTA, our flexible benefits platform which lets you tailor your benefits package. 

And when your circumstances change…no problem. You can flex, trade and add to your benefits package to suit your circumstances. 

• 4 day working week (applicable after probation - rest day as agreed with your line manager - T&Cs apply)
• Holidays starting at 25 days per annum with options to buy an additional 5 days
• Critical illness cover and life assurance options
• Company Pension with options to increase your contributions
• Private medical and dental Insurance
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Eco-Car Scheme 
• “Your Wellbeing Matters"- access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Career development opportunities
• Professional support networks and groups

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Winner UK Best Workplaces for Women™ Awards 2023.

Winner UK Great Place to Work™ Awards 2024.