London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT)
Operations Manager

Role Overview

Reporting to the Director of Operations and
Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with regular reporting to the Chief Executive
Officer (CEO), the Operations Manager will lead the Academy’s operational and
financial activities. The role will work closely with the Academic Dean,
Admissions Manager, Assessment Team, IT Manager, Student Support Manager and
Finance Manager to ensure operational excellence, regulatory compliance and
sustainable growth.

Job Purpose

The Operations Manager acts as the
operational and financial steward of the Academy, ensuring robust financial
management, budgetary control, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance
and continuous improvement across all business functions. The role supports the
CFO, Director of Operations and CEO through operational insight, financial
analysis, risk management and performance reporting.

Compliance & Regulatory Assurance

The postholder will support compliance with
regulatory framework and Conditions of Registration. Responsibilities include
supporting equality of opportunity initiatives, student success measures,
governance reporting, regulatory submissions, operational risk monitoring,
audit preparation and ensuring institutional processes align with OfS
expectations and Higher Education best practice.

Financial Planning, Budgeting & Performance

The Operations Manager will assess
operational budgets, forecasting, financial performance monitoring, supplier
management, procurement controls and management reporting. The role will
maintain operational dashboards and provide data -driven recommendations to
senior leadership.

Operations Leadership

The role will oversee administration,
facilities coordination, IT coordination, admissions operations, student
support infrastructure, business continuity planning and service delivery. The
postholder will drive continuous improvement and ensure operational processes
remain scalable and efficient.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

The Operations Manager will maintain
operational policies, risk registers and standard operating procedures while
supporting audits, inspections, GDPR compliance, safeguarding obligations,
health and safety requirements and partner obligations.

Qualifications

A master’s degree in finance, Accounting,
Financial Management, Business Finance or a closely related discipline is
mandatory. Professional qualifications such as ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CFA or
equivalent are desirable.

Experience

·         1 -3 years’ experience in
operations management, business operations, financial operations or
institutional administration is essential.

·         Experience in Higher
Education is highly desirable.

·         Candidates should
demonstrate experience in budgeting, forecasting, Power BI reporting,
governance support and operational performance management.

Skills & Knowledge

Strong financial acumen, advanced Excel
skills, stakeholder management skills, XERO, operational leadership experience,
understanding of Higher Education regulatory frameworks and excellent
communication skills are essential.