Regional operations Manager

ZipRecruiter; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in Manchester is looking for a Regional Operations Manager to lead a team focused on workforce development in the engineering and construction sectors. The candidate will engage with employers, manage relationships, and drive high-performance outcomes. This role offers competitive salary and numerous benefits. Ideal for someone with experience in account management and a passion for skills development.

Benefits

Car allowance

Generous pension

Flexible working

Health & wellbeing benefits

Career progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience in account management or relationship/business management roles.
• Line management and team leadership experience.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to work with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a regional account management team to deliver training programmes.
• Mentor and coach a team to drive high-performance outcomes.
• Build and grow strong partnerships with employers and industry stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Project management

Negotiation skills

Job description

Regional Operations Manager Manchester Up to £53,000 + £7,965 Car Allowance + Generous Pension + 25-30 Days Holiday + Flexible Working + Health & Wellbeing Benefits + Career Progression

Are you an experienced operations or account manager with a strong background in stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and commercial thinking? Do you want to play a key role in shaping workforce development across Northern England, leading a team of account managers, managing major employer relationships, and delivering high-impact skills programmes? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected, government-backed organisation focused on developing a skilled, future-ready workforce for the UK's engineering and construction sectors. Supporting major infrastructure projects and industry transformation, they fund and manage skills programmes to meet current and future demand across technical, craft, and professional roles. In this role, you will lead the North Region Operations Team, driving a high-performance culture, mentoring and coaching your team to deliver outstanding results. You will manage key employer accounts, lead strategic relationships, and ensure training and workforce development programmes are delivered effectively.

You'll work closely with training providers, industry bodies, and major employers across the region to address workforce challenges. This is an ideal role for someone with a proven track record in account management, people leadership, and stakeholder engagement, who also brings strong commercial acumen and some exposure to business development. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, and purpose-led environment and you're passionate about skills, people, and progress this role offers real scope to make an impact.

The Role

• Lead a regional account management team to deliver employer engagement plans and training programmes
• Mentor, coach, and performance manage a team to drive high-performance outcomes
• Support the design and delivery of upskilling, reskilling, and new entrant initiatives
• Manage regional budgets and ensure efficient use of funds for maximum stakeholder value
• Build and grow strong partnerships with employers, providers, and industry stakeholders
• Represent the organisation across the Northern region, supporting major infrastructure and workforce development projects
• Collaborate with wider teams and contribute to the delivery of strategic skills programmes
• Deliver outcomes aligned with government-backed workforce development priorities and funding frameworks

The Person

• Proven experience in account management, stakeholder engagement, or relationship/business management roles
• Track record of delivering on key accounts and partnerships
• Line management and team leadership experience able to coach, mentor, and develop a high-performing team
• Exposure to business development and an ability to spot and act on opportunities
• Strong commercial acumen with a strategic mindset
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organisational skills
• Comfortable managing complex projects and navigating strategic or regulated environments
• Knowledge of training and competence systems
• Confident working with senior stakeholders and representing the organisation at regional level
• Understanding of government-funded skills and training programmes (desirable)
• Experience within the engineering, construction, or training/education sectors is advantageous but not essential