Operations Manager

Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard

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Course Overview

This apprenticeship develops confident operations managers who lead teams and projects to deliver organisational objectives effectively.

You will build the leadership, operational and project management skills needed to manage people, resources and workloads in line with organisational strategy. The programme focuses on operational planning, performance management, continuous improvement, compliance and inclusive leadership.

By the end of the apprenticeship, you will be leading operational functions with confidence, improving efficiency, supporting teams to perform at their best and contributing directly to organisational success.

Who Is This For?

This apprenticeship is suitable for:

  • Existing or aspiring operations managers

  • Department, area or regional managers

  • Managers responsible for teams, projects or services

  • Professionals working in private, public or voluntary sector organisations

  • Individuals progressing into senior management roles

  • Learners able to meet English and Maths requirements

As an Operations Manager, you will:

  • Lead and manage teams to deliver operational objectives

  • Plan and deliver projects aligned to organisational strategy

  • Allocate and manage resources and budgets effectively

  • Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement

  • Build strong internal and external relationships

  • Apply legislation, policies and codes of practice

  • Manage risk, business continuity and compliance

  • Support equality, diversity, inclusion and sustainability

You may work across office based, onsite or remote environments and collaborate with departments such as HR, finance, IT, legal, sales and marketing.

  • Operations Manager

  • Department Manager

  • Area Manager

  • Regional Manager

  • General Manager

  • Specialist Manager

You will develop knowledge of:

  • Leadership styles and management approaches

  • Team development and performance management

You will develop skills to:

  • Provide clear direction and inclusive leadership

  • Develop and support team members

  • Manage performance and workloads

You will develop knowledge of:

  • Budget management and resource planning

  • Business continuity and risk management

You will develop skills to:

  • Allocate people, time and resources effectively

  • Analyse data to identify trends and efficiencies

  • Manage risk and support organisational resilience

You will develop knowledge of:

  • Legal, regulatory and ethical responsibilities

  • Health and safety, equality and sustainability

You will develop skills to:

  • Apply policies, legislation and codes of practice

  • Promote safe, inclusive and sustainable operations

  • Ensure compliance within operational areas

You will develop knowledge of:

  • Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies

You will develop skills to:

  • Build effective working relationships

  • Influence and guide decision making

  • Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders

End point assessment confirms occupational competence.

Assessment Methods

Project with report and presentation

  • Project completed on programme

  • Written report up to 4,000 words

  • Presentation with questions lasting at least 60 minutes

Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

  • Duration: 60 minutes

  • At least 6 questions

  • Portfolio of evidence required before gateway

Overall Grades Available

  • Fail

  • Pass

  • Distinction

Successful completion leads to the award of an apprenticeship certificate.

To enter the EPA gateway, you must have:

  • Achieved English and Maths in line with apprenticeship funding rules

  • Submitted a portfolio of evidence

This apprenticeship aligns with professional recognition from:

  • Chartered Management Institute
    Member status and eligibility for Chartered Manager status with sufficient experience

  • Institute of Leadership
    Member status

Qualification Details

  • Standard: Operations Manager
  • Reference: ST0385
  • Level: 5
  • Route: Business and Administration
  • Typical Duration: 24 months
  • EPA Period: 5 months
  • Maximum Funding: £9,000
  • Status: Approved for delivery
  • Version: 1.4
  • EQA Provider: Ofqual
  • LARS Code: 104

Progression Opportunities

  • Chartered Manager Degree
  • Senior Leadership roles
Apply for Operations Manager Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard