New Role – We’re Hiring

WE’RE HIRING – SEATS at THE HIVE OPERATIONS MANAGER – not a normal operations role!

About SEATS

South Essex Advanced Technical Skills (SEATS) is an independent, employer-led, not-for-profit organisation helping businesses develop the skills and workforce capabilities they need to succeed.

We work with employers, training providers and strategic partners to identify skills needs, source quality training, navigate funding and support workforce development.

About The Hive

The Hive is a new training and business facility at DP World London Gateway, part-funded by Thames Freeport and the London Gateway Freeport Community Investment Fund (LGFCIF).

Bringing together employers, training providers and community partners, The Hive will support workforce development, technical training, leadership programmes, careers activities and business events.

SEATS has been appointed to coordinate a substantial programme of training and skills activities at The Hive, working in partnership with DP World and other organisations to maximise its use, impact and long-term sustainability.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a proactive, commercially aware and highly organised Operations Manager to take responsibility for the efficient delivery of SEATS’ contract for The Hive.

This is a varied, hands-on management role combining overseeing training programme delivery, operational coordination, stakeholder engagement and business development.

You will be SEATS’ principal on-site representative, ensuring contractual commitments are met, activities run smoothly and The Hive delivers an excellent experience for employers, learners and visitors. Beyond day-to-day operations, you will identify opportunities, build relationships and help establish The Hive as a thriving and sustainable business and skills facility.

Key Responsibilities

Contract and Training Programme Delivery

• Manage the operational delivery of SEATS’ contractual commitments, including overseeing at least 100 days of brokered training annually.
• Work towards agreed participation targets, including a minimum of 1,125 learner attendances each year.
• Coordinate providers, bookings, resources, delegates and programme schedules; monitor performance, feedback and outcomes.

The Hive Operations and Events

• Oversee SEATS’ day-to-day activities at The Hive and work with DP World and its facilities management provider on bookings, equipment and venue readiness.
• Support DP World’s training, careers events, simulator activities, leadership programmes and other initiatives.
• Coordinate employer events, workshops and meetings, resolving operational issues promptly and supporting site procedures.
• Attend and represent SEATS and the Hive at networking, events and seminars.

Relationships and Business Development

• Build strong relationships with DP World, employers, training providers, facilities teams and other partners.
• Identify training needs, new activities and opportunities to increase use of The Hive and expand SEATS’ wider services.
• Encourage repeat business, new partnerships and commercial opportunities that support long-term sustainability.

Management and Reporting

• Own operational plans, records, suppliers, costs and performance reporting against agreed targets.

You will be required to work as an integral part of the team and this may mean covering for other team members and additional duties as required.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong operational management skills with initiative, commercial awareness and excellent people skills.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Experience managing operations, training programmes, events, facilities or a comparable service environment.
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple activities, manage stakeholders and deliver against agreed objectives.
• Strong organisational, planning and practical problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, customer service and relationship-building abilities.
• Commercial awareness and confidence identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Experience managing suppliers, resources, budgets or operational performance.
• Confident use of Microsoft 365, CRM systems and digital booking or reporting tools.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions and take ownership of outcomes.
• Full driving licence and access to transport.

Desirable

• Experience within training, skills, education, logistics or employer engagement.
• Project management experience or a relevant qualification.
• Experience developing business relationships or generating new opportunities.

Above all, you will be resourceful, approachable and comfortable working in a busy environment where priorities can change. You will enjoy making things happen, be willing to get involved in the practical details and understand how excellent service creates further opportunities.

What Success Looks Like

• SEATS’ contractual commitments delivered effectively and on time.
• At least 100 brokered training days coordinated annually, supporting 1,125 learner attendances.
• Strong working relationships with DP World, facilities management and delivery partners.
• A well-organised, professionally operated and increasingly well-utilised facility.
• Positive feedback from employers, trainers, learners and visitors.
• New training, employer engagement and commercial opportunities identified and developed.
• A meaningful contribution to The Hive’s long-term sustainability.

What We Offer

An opportunity to take ownership of a new and exciting programme, working with major employers and partners to make a tangible difference to workforce development across the region.

You will join a small, ambitious and collaborative organisation where your ideas, initiative and contribution will be valued.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Performance-related bonus opportunity.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• A varied role with considerable autonomy and scope to make an impact.

Additional Information

The role requires a regular on-site presence at DP World London Gateway, with occasional travel to employers and partners. Some evening or weekend working may be required for scheduled activities, with advance notice.

No unspent criminal convictions and be able to satisfactorily pass a DBS check. Must hold the current right to work in the UK – SEATS does not have the ability to provide sponsorship.

SEATS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds.

The Person We Are Looking For

You will combine operational discipline with the confidence to build relationships, recognise opportunities and turn plans into successful activity. You will be equally comfortable coordinating a training course, supporting an employer event, working with facilities teams or solving a last-minute issue.

If you are organised, proactive, personable and enjoy making things happen, we would love to hear from you.  Email your CV and covering letter to jobs@seats.org.uk

Ready for your next challenge?

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