Job Title: Operational Lead
Location: On-site (Canary Wharf, London)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per annum
Reports To: Director of E-Learning
Role Purpose
The Operational Lead is responsible for the strategic development, implementation, and management of the operational framework of EducateU (PEN group). The postholder will ensure effective operational delivery by leading high-performing teams, developing processes, and fostering stakeholder partnerships to support the delivery of accredited qualifications through a robust digital platform.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Lead the design and execution of operational strategies to support the organisation’s short- and long-term goals.
* Establish policies, procedures, and quality assurance mechanisms to ensure efficient and compliant service delivery.
* Contribute to organisational planning, risk management, and governance.
Team Management & Development
* Recruit, train, and manage multidisciplinary teams, embedding a culture of performance, learning, and continuous improvement.
* Oversee staff performance reviews and development planning in line with organisational objectives.
Partnerships & Accreditation
* Forge strategic partnerships with chartered and professional bodies to secure programme accreditation and ensure ongoing compliance.
* Represent EducateU (PEN group) in external audits and accreditation engagements, maintaining trust and transparency with accrediting partners.
Digital Systems & User Experience
* Collaborate with web development and IT teams to deliver a seamless, user-friendly digital experience.
* Oversee backend infrastructure, data integrity, and platform performance to meet academic and administrative requirements.
Financial & Resource Management
* Manage departmental budgets, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and achieving value-for-money across operational activities.
* Monitor financial performance and provide regular reporting to the Director of E-Learning.
Operational Compliance
* Implement systems to monitor, evaluate, and report on operational performance against internal and external benchmarks.
* Ensure adherence to all relevant legislative, regulatory, and quality frameworks.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Business
* Administration, Education Management) (E)
* Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field e.g. Leadership, Business,
* Education, Digital Learning or equivalent experience (D)
* Experience in a senior operations or administrative leadership role (E)
* Experience leading teams and supporting professional development (E)
* Experience in stakeholder engagement and managing accreditation
* relationships (D)
* Track record of building operational systems from the ground up (D)
* Strong understanding of digital service delivery and platform management (E)
* Proficiency in budget management and financial oversight (E)
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills (E)
* Strategic planning and project management experience (E)
* Commitment to equality, sustainability, and continuous improvement (E)
* Experience in the Higher Education or EdTech sectors (D)
Benefits:
* Annual leave (5.6 weeks) + bank holidays.
* Workplace pension scheme.
* Company Sick Policy
* Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
* Statutory maternity/paternity pays.
* Career development opportunities
* Training and self-development opportunities.
* Gym membership discounts
* Retail discount schemes
* Cinema discounts
* Grocery discounts
* Cycle to work
* Investing and savings opportunities
* Financial wellbeing – personal debt advise.
* Financial wellbeing education
* My Mind Pal (mental fitness)