Operations Manager

Rutledge Group; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training provider in Northern Ireland is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee key programmes under a fixed-term maternity cover contract. You will manage operations, drive performance, and support a high-quality learning environment. This role requires strong leadership and a commitment to excellence while collaborating with internal teams.

Benefits

Performance-Related Bonus

Paid Holidays

Birthday Leave

40p per mile travel expenses

Company Laptop

Supportive induction process

Employee Referral Scheme

Social Event Calendar

Employee Wellbeing Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operational or regional management role.
• Strong leadership and staff management skills.
• Experience with KPI frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational delivery for key training programmes.
• Manage staffing and enhance learner engagement.
• Conduct performance reviews and maintain quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Senior operational management experience

Job description

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Job Vacancy: Operations Manager

Location: Belfast

Contract Type: Full-Time Temporary (Maternity Cover)

Hours: 37.5 per week (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)

Salary: Negotiable

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Operations Manager to join our team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and support regional operations within a high-performing training environment.

As the Operations Manager, you will take the lead in managing the operational delivery of our key programmes - Skills for Life and Work (SFL&W) and Apprenticeships NI (APPNI). You will be responsible for overseeing business performance, staffing, and learner engagement while driving quality improvement and achieving key performance targets across the region.

The post holder will be required to travel throughout the Region in NI; to include Belfast, Bangor, Carrick, Larne, Downpatrick, and Lisburn.

ABOUT US:

Rutledge Training is one of the leading private training providers in NI; with a branch network of 17 locations. We offer government-funded training programmes Skills for Life & Work and ApprenticeshipsNI; as well as private and corporate training. The Company has been in operation from 1989; making us a long-standing education provider in NI.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Oversee the successful intake and ongoing engagement of learners across SFL&W and APPNI programmes.Ensure regional intake targets are met for both programmes.
• Actively drive recruitment initiatives in collaboration with business development and support teams.

• Manage programme data and reporting tools to track enrolment, learner progression, and end-date compliance.

• Lead a multidisciplinary team across the region with a focus on collaboration, development, and accountability.
• Support employee engagement and retention,
• Conduct regular performance reviews and contribute to a positive, high-performance culture.

• Uphold quality standards and ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, and internal benchmarks.
• Work collaboratively with internal departments to implement improvements and respond to audit findings.

Qualifications / Experience:

Essential:

• Proven experience in a senior operational or regional management role, ideally in the education, training, or employability sectors.
• Strong leadership and staff management skills, with the ability to drive team performance and outcomes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with confidence in interpreting and reporting data.
• Experience working with KPI frameworks and managing performance through clear metrics.
• High level of organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the APPNI or SFL&W programme structures or similar government-funded initiatives.
• Operational management experience in a private training organisation in NI

The Benefits:

• Performance-Related Bonus
• Paid Holidays
• Birthday Leave
• 40p per mile travel expenses
• Company Laptop
• Supportive three phase induction process
• Employee Referral Scheme
• Company Social Committee
• Social Event Calendar
• Charity Fundraising Committee
• Employee Wellbeing Programme
• Employee Assistance Programme

How to Apply: Please submit your CV via the below link. Our HR Team are happy to take your call should you have any questions about the role or your application progress. E-mail: [email protected] / Tel: [phone]

Equal Opportunities: Diversity fuels innovation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. All applicants are considered for employment based upon their skills and abilities without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or other legally protected status.

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This role is subject to a clear ACCESSNI Enhanced Vetting Check to ensure the applicant can work in REGULATED ACTIVITY. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to an applicant obtaining a position.