In 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Job Title: Central Operations Lead
Location: Bolton (Hybrid)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary: £29,000 per annum
Contract: 12 month Fixed Term Contract
UK applicants only | No sponsorship
About us:
Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high-quality special needs education and care in the UK. We deliver research-led, personalised education that helps every child thrive.
Our vision is to empower every child with a world-class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning. Our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity, and our promise is simple: we listen, work together, and hold each other accountable to make the remarkable happen.
About the Role
This is a key role within our Central Operations team, acting as the link between central services and operational sites across our Acorn and Options divisions.
You’ll play a hands-on role in ensuring information, requests and processes flow efficiently between teams, helping sites stay compliant, organised, and supported in delivering high-quality outcomes.
Working closely with the Head of Central Operations, you’ll build strong relationships across the business, identify trends and challenges, and help drive continuous improvement across operational performance.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing the flow of information and requests between central services and operational sites
- Supporting site leaders through regular communication, meetings and occasional site visits
- Coordinating central requests through operational planning tools to ensure efficiency and clarity
- Producing and managing the weekly operations bulletin and central directory
- Monitoring and supporting operational compliance processes, including agency tracking and reporting
- Building and maintaining performance dashboards and reporting insights to senior stakeholders
- Supporting operational improvement projects, systems and process enhancements
- Working collaboratively across central teams to ensure consistent and effective service delivery
Essential experience & skills
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent written communication skills and high attention to detail
- Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Confidence taking ownership and using initiative to solve problems
- Experience supporting reporting, data tracking or performance monitoring
- Comfortable using systems such as Microsoft Office and other internal platforms
Desirable
- Experience working in a multi-site or operational environment
- Exposure to compliance processes or performance reporting
- Experience supporting projects, systems or process improvement activity
Why Join Us?
Outcomes First Group is the UK’s largest independent provider of high-quality special needs education, operating across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools, and Momenta Connect.
By joining our central teams, you’ll play a key role in supporting operational excellence across the organisation. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, contribute to continuous improvement, and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across multiple sites.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with flexible contribution options
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental and physical health support
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Flexible benefits via Vista, including discounts, Cycle to Work, Electric Car Scheme, critical illness cover, and more
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.
Outcomes First Group is committed to a fair, thorough, and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. While we aim to keep applicants informed, all stages remain subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements which may impact timescales.
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