Apprenticeship Operations Manager

Role Overview

The Apprenticeship Operations Manager is responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operational delivery of apprenticeship programmes across the academy. The role ensures compliance with ESFA and Ofsted requirements, drives operational excellence, manages learner journeys, and supports continuous improvement across apprenticeship delivery.

Working collaboratively with curriculum, quality, compliance, employer engagement, and learner support teams, the Apprenticeship Operations Manager will ensure that all apprentices receive an outstanding learning experience while meeting contractual, funding, and performance targets.

Operational Leadership

• Lead the operational delivery of apprenticeship programmes from enrolment through to completion.
• Develop and implement operational processes that improve efficiency, learner satisfaction, and employer experience.
• Monitor operational performance against KPIs, service standards, and contractual targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and learner outcomes.

Compliance & Funding

• Ensure full compliance with ESFA funding rules, apprenticeship legislation, and internal quality standards.
• Oversee learner onboarding, eligibility checks, ILR accuracy, and evidence collection.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure operational readiness for inspections.
• Work closely with quality and compliance teams to maintain robust governance.

Learner Journey Management

• Oversee apprentice onboarding, induction, progress tracking, reviews, gateway preparation, and completion.
• Ensure learners receive timely support throughout their apprenticeship journey.
• Monitor learner engagement, attendance, achievement, and retention.
• Escalate and resolve learner issues where appropriate.

Employer Engagement

• Build strong relationships with employer partners.
• Ensure employers receive an excellent service throughout programme delivery.
• Support employer onboarding and ensure expectations are managed effectively.
• Work collaboratively with employer engagement teams to maximise employer satisfaction and repeat business.

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop operational staff, providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead team meetings and operational planning activities.
• Support recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development.

Performance & Reporting

• Produce regular operational reports for senior leadership.
• Analyse data relating to learner performance, compliance, funding, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor KPIs including:
  • Starts
  • Retention
  • Achievement rates
  • Timely completions
  • Learner satisfaction
  • Employer satisfaction
  • Compliance performance

Continuous Improvement

• Lead operational improvement projects.
• Review policies and procedures to ensure best practice.
• Implement new systems and technologies to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Share best practice across the organisation.

 

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience within apprenticeship operations or apprenticeship programme management.
• Strong understanding of ESFA funding rules and apprenticeship compliance.
• Experience managing operational teams.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting capability.
• Experience using apprenticeship management systems and MIS platforms.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience preparing for or supporting Ofsted inspections.
• Knowledge of IQA/EQA processes.
• Project management qualification.
• Management qualification (ILM Level 5 or equivalent).
• Experience working within an independent training provider.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Solutions-focused with strong problem-solving skills.
• Collaborative and approachable leadership style.
• Commercially aware with a focus on delivering value.
• Passionate about learner success and continuous improvement.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to work under pressure.

Success Measures

The successful candidate will be measured against:

• Achievement and timely completion rates.
• Learner and employer satisfaction.
• Compliance audit outcomes.
• ESFA funding accuracy.
• Operational efficiency improvements.
• Team engagement and performance.
• Delivery of organisational KPIs and strategic objectives.

Why Join Velocity Academy?

At Velocity Academy, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of apprenticeships. We offer a collaborative and innovative environment where your ideas are valued, professional development is encouraged, and your work has a direct impact on learners, employers, and communities.