Head of Learning, Operations & Partnerships

  • The Ernest Cook Trust
  • May 12, 2026
Full time Education

Job Description

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.