The Ernest Cook Trust

Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships We are seeking an experienced senior leader to oversee impactful outdoor learning and land-based education programmes across multiple sites in the South. Position: Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships (South) Salary: £50,000 to £53,000 depending on experience Location: Gloucestershire based with hybrid working considered and regular regional travel Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week Contract: Permanent Closing Date: Monday 25 May 2026 About the Role This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the strategic delivery of learning programmes across a range of outdoor, farm-based and land skills environments. Working across multiple sites, you will lead regional operations, develop partnerships and ensure learning experiences are delivered to a consistently high standard. You will work closely with senior colleagues to shape and expand the learning offer, support operational development and drive positive outcomes for learners, communities and partners. Key responsibilities include: Leading and developing a regional learning team across multiple disciplines Overseeing Outdoor Learning, Farm Learning and Landbased Skills programmes Building partnerships with schools, training providers, community organisations and stakeholders Managing budgets, operational planning and programme performance Supporting development of accessible and modern learning environments Overseeing compliance across safeguarding, GDPR and health and safety Supporting apprenticeship, trainee and accredited learning opportunities Identifying funding opportunities and supporting grant-funded initiatives Developing opportunities for wider educational use of estates and learning sites About You You will be a strategic and collaborative leader with experience managing teams, operations and partnerships within education, environmental, agricultural or land-based settings. To be successful, you will ideally have: Strong leadership and operational management experience Experience managing budgets, projects and compliance requirements A track record of developing successful partnerships and stakeholder relationships Knowledge of outdoor learning, environmental education or land-based training Excellent organisational and communication skills A passion for sustainability, learning and creating opportunities for young people About the Organisation This educational charity works to help people build stronger connections with nature through outdoor learning, environmental education and land-based experiences. Through collaborative partnerships and progressive land management, the organisation delivers impactful programmes that support learners, communities and the environment. The organisation offers a supportive and flexible working culture alongside benefits including generous annual leave, pension contribution, life assurance and wellbeing support. Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Education, Head of Outdoor Learning, Head of Operations, Learning Programme Manager, Education Operations Manager, Environmental Education Manager, Land-Based Learning Manager, Regional Learning Manager, Partnerships Manager, Director of Learning Programmes, Outdoor Education Lead. Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client Not For Profit People.