About GP Strategies – The Learning Velocity Company™

In a world moving at the pace of AI, GP Strategies is The Learning Velocity Company™—amplifying human potential at the speed of opportunity.

For over 60 years, we’ve brought together some of the brightest minds in learning and development. Today, we’re evolving that legacy for an AI-first world—where skills change rapidly, business strategies shift constantly, and continuous learning is no longer optional.

From upskilling workforces to enabling enterprise transformation, we partner with global leaders to ensure their people are always ready for what’s next.

Above all, we are a trusted partner—helping organizations navigate complexity, embrace change, and lead with confidence.

GP Strategies is also one of the Scotland’s leading apprenticeship training providers and have been delivering apprenticeships for over 25 years. We work with a large volume of employers and young people delivering high quality training and apprenticeships with an achievement rate that exceeds the national average.

The Opportunity

As Operations Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the operational performance, quality, compliance, and growth of our apprenticeship and workforce development provision across Scotland.

Working closely with the Service Delivery Manager and Business Development Manager, you will provide leadership across programme delivery, contract management, stakeholder engagement, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. You will play a critical role in ensuring we consistently exceed contractual expectations while delivering outstanding learner experiences and supporting business growth.

Being offered on a hybrid basis, you'll spend 2-3 days per week with the team at our office in Stirling, Scotland. Travel throughout Scotland to customer, learner, employer, and stakeholder locations is also required.

What You'll Be Doing

Contract & Stakeholder Management

Lead the effective management of the Skills Development Scotland (SDS) contract, ensuring full compliance with funding requirements, performance measures, and contractual obligations.
Act as a key point of contact for SDS and other external stakeholders.
Lead contract review meetings, performance updates, and change management activities.
Monitor performance against starts, completions, spend, and contractual KPIs.
Ensure audit readiness and adherence to all funding and compliance requirements.

Operational Leadership

Oversee the successful delivery of apprenticeship and employability programmes across Scotland.
Support the achievement of learner recruitment, retention, progression, completion, and certification targets.
Drive operational performance and implement improvements that enhance learner and customer outcomes.
Ensure effective workforce planning, resource allocation, and programme delivery.

Quality & Compliance

Champion a culture of continuous improvement through quality action planning and performance reviews.
Ensure compliance with SDS requirements, awarding body regulations, internal quality processes, and GP Strategies policies.
Oversee certification activity, external verification visits, and centre compliance requirements.
Maintain robust operational policies, procedures, and documentation.

Financial & Performance Management

Support budgeting and forecasting activities.
Monitor contract performance, funding utilisation, and operational efficiency.
Work closely with Finance to oversee purchase order and invoicing processes.
Ensure accurate learner administration, reporting, claims, and performance data.

People Leadership

Lead, coach, and develop the Service Delivery Manager and Business Development Manager.
Support recruitment, onboarding, employee development, and succession planning.
Conduct performance reviews and lead regular operational meetings.
Create an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture focused on accountability and excellence.

Business Growth & Customer Success

Partner with the Business Development Manager to support growth opportunities and customer retention.
Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, customers, and strategic stakeholders.
Support bid activity, tenders, and employer engagement initiatives.
Collaborate with marketing teams to promote programmes and enhance market presence.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience

Proven experience managing apprenticeship, training, skills, or workforce development programmes.
Strong knowledge of Skills Development Scotland (SDS) funding rules and apprenticeship delivery requirements.
Demonstrated success leading and developing operational teams.
Sound understanding of quality assurance, compliance, and regulatory requirements within vocational education and skills.
Experience managing performance against contractual KPIs and service level expectations.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving capability.

Desirable

Experience within a private training provider environment.
Knowledge of Scottish employability programmes.
Experience managing awarding body or external verification requirements.
Leadership or management qualification.
Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
Experience supporting business development, account management, or tender activity.

Why Join GP Strategies?

At GP Strategies, you'll be part of a global organisation that is passionate about learning, transformation, and helping people achieve their full potential. We offer meaningful work, the opportunity to make a measurable impact, and the chance to work alongside talented professionals committed to excellence. Our culture is built on collaboration, continuous learning, innovation, and accountability.

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