Contract Operations Manager


Company:	Acorn Training LTD
Salary:	£37,000 to £42,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Hanley, ST1 1DL
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	15 Oct 2026
Closing date:	14 Nov 2026

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Summary

We reserve the right to close this advertisement at any time if we receive suitable applications for the role.

As the Operations Manager - Skills, your core responsibility is to oversee the seamless management of contracts pertaining to skill development programmes across the Midlands. Your primary objective is to ensure the efficient execution of contracts, meeting client specifications, optimising resource allocation, and upholding high levels of client satisfaction. Your pivotal role revolves around driving exceptional performance and meeting the expectations outlined within the skills contracts, including financial, quality, and performance targets.

Working in close coordination with the Business Development, Enrolment, Delivery, and Data and Claims teams, you will forge robust connections to foster collaboration and alignment. Your efforts will facilitate the successful implementation and delivery of our Midlands skills programmes, thereby contributing significantly to the attainment of contract objectives and goals.

Key Responsibilities and Key Performance Indicators

- Lead end-to-end contract management by implementing robust project management and review procedures across the Midlands skills provision.

- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment of contract deliverables with commissioner expectations.

- Actively engage with community groups, employers, and wider stakeholders to grow and develop the business within the curriculum-specific context.

- Build effective and productive working relationships with commissioners' contract leads.

- Build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, strategic and generic subcontractors/delivery partners, and other relevant organisations.

- Create and maintain key contract planning, monitoring, and reporting documentation.

- Facilitate regular contract reviews with key managers to assess performance, plan the approach to achieving future targets, and identify potential challenges and mitigating actions to ensure positive contract outcomes.

- Provide weekly status reports regarding contract milestones, progress against key performance indicators (KPIs), programme interdependencies, risks, and issues.

- Respond to commissioner requirements for contract progress reporting and assurance.

- Work closely with the Head of Quality and Curriculum, actively participating in programme evaluation, stakeholder feedback, and lessons learned activities.

- Drive the long-term financial performance and value for money of Midlands skills programmes through effective operational and financial performance management.

- Work closely with the Heads of Curriculum, Head of Quality and Curriculum, and Curriculum Innovations Manager to implement step-in measures as required, including contractual performance and quality improvement planning.

- Provide feedback based on any evaluation results, quality and progress assessments, or individual responses to the Assistant Director for Skills and relevant - Head of Curriculum to ensure that content not achieving intended learning objectives is addressed.

- Work with the Skills Delivery team as part of a defined joined-up approach to ensure a close tie-up between CPD design and programme management, ensuring that a feedback loop exists.

- Identify effective practice through data analysis and robust audit, sharing with the wider internal management teams and developing into business-as-usual practice.

- Ensure that expertise across delivery areas is kept up to date through self-management and engagement with the relevant Head of Curriculum to gain access to the latest policy and research.

Job Benefits

- Flexible working including home-based, centre-based, or hybrid job role dependant

- Up to 26 days annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 10 additional days

- Pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing

- Training and professional development, including CPD workshops and professional qualifications

- Westfield Health Scheme with benefits including 13 healthcare services, cashback towards essential health bills, counselling and therapy treatments, fast access to MRI, CT, and PET scans, and discounted shopping vouchers

- Wellbeing initiatives including Wellbeing Wednesdays and the Mental Health at Work Pledge

- Disability Confident Leader, Menopause Workplace Pledge, Armed Forces Covenant, Ban the Box Employer, and secure prayer spaces

- Annual paid volunteering day and charity initiatives

- Cash incentives for Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards

- £500 Recommend a friend scheme

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