Strategic Contract Ops Lead – Skills Programs (Hybrid)

Acorn Training Ltd.; Hempstalls; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working including home/centre

Hybrid working

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Training and CPD

Westfield Health scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Disability confident initiatives

Volunteer day

Refer a friend bonus

Job summary

Acorn Training Ltd. is seeking an Operations Manager - Skills to oversee contract management for Midlands skills provision. You will drive efficient execution of contracts, optimise resources, and ensure high client satisfaction across multiple teams including Business Development, Enrolment, Delivery, and Data & Claims.

You will lead planning, monitoring, and reporting activities, liaise with commissioners and partners, and monitor KPIs to deliver on financial and quality targets.

Qualifications

• Degree in business admin/management or related field (essential).
• Level 5 management qualification or significant management experience (essential).
• GCSE English and Maths (A*-C) (essential).
• Full driving licence (essential).
• Level 5 teaching/learning and assessment (desirable).
• Level 4 IQA qualification (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end contract management with robust project management and reviews across Midlands.
• Ensure contract deliverables meet commissioner expectations and align with budgets.
• Engage with community groups, employers, and stakeholders to grow the business within the curriculum context.
• Build relationships with commissioners’ contract leads and relevant partners.
• Develop and maintain contract planning, monitoring, and progress reporting documentation.
• Provide weekly status reports on milestones, KPIs, risks, and issues.
• Support quality and curriculum teams in programme evaluation and lessons learned.
• Drive long-term financial performance and value for money of Midlands programmes.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Project management

Data analysis

Problem solving

Results driven

Proactive

Cross-functional teamwork

Adult education focus

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent in business/admin

Level 5 management qualification or significant management experience

GCSE English & Maths A*-C

Full driving licence

Level 5 teaching/learning & assessment (desirable)

Level 4 IQA (desirable)

Tools

CRM software

Data analytics tools

Job description

Acorn Training Ltd. is seeking an Operations Manager - Skills to oversee contract management for Midlands skills provision. You will drive efficient execution of contracts, optimise resources, and ensure high client satisfaction across multiple teams including Business Development, Enrolment, Delivery, and Data & Claims.

You will lead planning, monitoring, and reporting activities, liaise with commissioners and partners, and monitor KPIs to deliver on financial and quality targets.