Operations Manager

Line Manager/responsible to: Managing Director

Responsible for: Sales Officer, Qualifications Development Officer, Centre Quality and Delivery Officer, Finance Officer.

Base: Field Based (Home)

Hours: Full Time (Reduced hours will be considered).

Salary: £37,000 to £45,000 pro rata per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

Additional Benefits: laptop, mobile phone, generous holiday package, contributory pension scheme and more.

Closing Date: 2nd March 2026, 12pm midday

Interview Date: Week commencing 9th March

We would love to find a highly organised, strategic and confident individual to join our team as an Operations Manager.

The position involves leading the day-to-day operations of the business, overseeing key functions across the team and ensuring effective systems, processes and collaboration that support growth and high standards across the organisation.

Experience working across multiple functions, alongside strong budget management and strategic planning skills, is essential, as well as knowledge of HR processes and supplier management.

This position is field based. However, as some travel may be expected on occasions, the ability to travel is essential.

Who We Are

Sweet Education Ltd is an innovative and sector-leading company committed to providing high-quality resources and qualification support to centres across Wales, England and internationally. Our resources and qualifications focus on developing students health, wellbeing and life skills.

Our Mission: Improving lives through learning

Our Vision: Leading the way in delivering big impact and inspirational learning

Our Values:

We act with integrity we are open and honest with everyone and always behave ethically

We prioritise people we are nice! We are inclusive, respect everyone and empathetic

We are bold! we are ambitious and innovative in our thinking

We bring a smile most importantly, we bring a positive attitude to work!

Role Summary

The Operations Manager will lead the day-to-day operations of the business, overseeing key functions across the whole team. This role ensures efficient systems and structures are in place to support growth, operational excellence and high standards across the organisation.

Operational Leadership and Strategy

• Oversee day-to-day business operations, including sales, production, logistics, customer service, HR, finance, delivery and development.
• Lead operational projects and continuous improvement initiatives, managing timelines, resource allocation and successful delivery of outcomes.
• Manage budgets, forecasting and resource planning in collaboration with Directors and the Finance Officer.
• Implement and monitor KPIs to ensure efficiency, productivity and quality targets are met.
• Act as a key link between departments, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration.

People Management and HR

• Oversee staff development, ensuring training, certifications and qualifications are up to date and aligned with role requirements.
• Ensure performance review processes are structured and that there is a consistent approach to people management across the organisation.
• Co-ordinate end-to-end recruitment and onboarding, including advertising roles, screening and interviewing candidates, alongside the Directors, conducting ID and DBS checks, and coordinating mandatory training and induction schedules alongside the relevant Officers to ensure a seamless start for new staff.

Compliance and Policy

• Ensure compliance with health and safety, cyber security and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and review policies and procedures as necessary, updating documentation in line with changes in legislation, best practice and company strategy.
• Review & update the staff handbook on an annual basis, ensuring relevance and compliance.

Supplier and Financial Oversight

• Maintain strong working relationships with external suppliers (e.g. printers, Awarding Body, developers, phone suppliers, IT providers etc.).
• Negotiate and review quotes, contracts/agreements, pricing structures and payment terms with external suppliers.
• Monitor & approve expenditure, ensuring alignment with budgets and operational priorities.
• Ensure efficient stock control processes, including tracking, storing materials and reporting to the Finance Officer for monthly adjustments and planning.

Line Manager s Duties

• Regularly review staffing needs with the Officers and Directors, ensuring the company is appropriately staffed on an ongoing basis.
• Support, target and monitor the performance of relevant team members.
• Conduct regular performance reviews with staff members to measure progress against KPIs and identify any learning and development needs.
• Feed into annual budgets for the team and monitor expenditure of allocated amount.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Highly organised and detail-oriented
• Confident decision-maker
• Collaborative and approachable
• Proactive and solutions-focused mindset

Essential Experience and Skills

• Experience of working across multiple functions
• Experience in budget management and strategic planning
• Knowledge of HR processes and supplier management
• Familiarity with HR and finance systems

Desirable Experience and Skills

Qualification in leadership and management

Knowledge of procurement and contract negotiation

Experience managing or implementing organisational policies and procedures

Key Performance Indicators

Ensure effective management of cashflow with 0% overdraft infringements.

Ensure 100% Monthly sales targets met.

Ensure compliance and conformance requirements are met yearly and suggested feedback for development is reviewed.

Ensure Awarding Body Accreditation requirements are met and maintained.

Sweet reserves the right to close vacancies sooner if a vast amount of suitable applications is received. We therefore encourage early applications for consideration of this post.

Applicants will receive a communication progressing their application to the next stage within 10 days after the closing date. Should this not be received, applicants can assume their application has not been successful on this occasion.