Operations Management Apprentice NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH

Summary

The National Centre for Social Research is seeking an Operations Management Level 5 Apprentice to join our dynamic Innovation Hub. This role will give you the opportunity to learn how major national research projects are run from the inside out, gaining skills in project management, business change, and operations.

Wage

£13,741 to £22,222.20, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Training course

Operations manager (level 5)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 29 September 2025

Duration

2 years 5 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

By the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll not only have a nationally recognised qualification but also hands-on experience from Britain’s leading independent social research organisation that can prepare you for future roles in areas such as project delivery, operations management, change management, or research management.

The apprentice will gain hands-on experience in research innovation, coordinating and optimising our innovation processes, managing resources, change management, and ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of research innovation projects. Responsibilities will include assisting with project management, supporting quality control measures, and contributing to strategic planning initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a keen interest in social research. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to combine practical experience with structured learning, paving the way for a successful career in operations management within the research sector.

The Innovation Hub brings together internal and external expertise to accelerate the creation of research innovations. This cross-functional Hub benefits from being based at Britain's leading independent social research organisation, which has pioneered a broad range of industry-defining research methods since 1969. The Innovation Hub is a fast-paced, friendly and creative place to work. The apprentice will report to and learn from the Innovation Hub’s Business Change Manager and also work closely with other members of the small core team at the Innovation Hub. There are also great opportunities to connect with colleagues across the whole National Centre for Social Research through the multidisciplinary innovation projects the Hub delivers.

Full Description:

• Assisting in the coordination and management of research innovation projects from inception to completion.
• Supporting the implementation of quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of project data.
• Contributing to the development and optimisation of operational processes and procedures.
• Managing resources, including staffing, equipment, and materials, to ensure efficient project execution.
• Participating in the Innovation Hub’s strategic planning and decision-making.
• Utilising AI and automation technologies to enhance business operations.
• Communicating with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate project progress and address any issues that arise.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation related to project management and operations.

The day-to-day contact for the Operations Management Level 5 Apprentice will be NatCen’s Business Change Manager, who will provide guidance, supervision, and mentorship throughout the apprenticeship. The apprentice will also interact regularly with project managers, research teams, and other departmental staff. This collaborative environment will offer the apprentice a comprehensive understanding of the operational aspects of social research and the opportunity to develop valuable professional relationships within NatCen.

Where you'll work

National Centre For Social Research, 35 Northampton Square
London
EC1V 0AX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE WKCIC GROUP

Training course

Operations manager (level 5)

What you'll learn

• Communicate and present information to stakeholders using different types of media.
• Identify problems and provide solutions.
• Manage and set goals and accountabilities for individuals and teams.
• Analyse performance data for individuals and teams to identify areas for improvement.
• Manage and influence project activity to deliver within budget and resource requirements.
• Lead and influence the team and individuals to support an inclusive culture of equity, diversity, and the promotion of well-being.
• Motivate team members and individuals through collaborative activities, for example one-to-one coaching and team meetings, to achieve organisational goals.
• Use digital tools to analyse information and monitor performance and budgets to drive the implementation and delivery of plans and projects.
• Research, interpret and analyse information to inform the implementation of business plans or projects.
• Evaluate the impact of outcomes from organisational plans or projects to drive the decision-making process.
• Interpret and implement the practical application of regulation, legislation and organisational policies for stakeholders.
• Manage continuous improvement and change for their team and organisation.
• Analyse and prioritise organisation activities in response to the operating environment.
• Implement business continuity plans, including risk assessment, contingency planning and disaster recovery, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical functions.
• Identify and respond to external factors that may influence the future landscape and evaluate their impact on the organisation.
• Influence and negotiate with stakeholders to shape and agree goals and outcomes.
• Manage relationships across multiple and diverse stakeholders.
• Deliver sustainable services and solutions which allow the organisation to respond to changes in social, economic and environmental factors.
• Manage and facilitate learning and continuous professional development for their team.
• Coach and mentor individuals within their team.
• Develop and implement operational plans that align with the strategic direction of the organisation.
• Communicate and present information to stakeholders using different types of media.
• Identify problems and provide solutions.
• Manage and set goals and accountabilities for individuals and teams.
• Analyse performance data for individuals and teams to identify areas for improvement.
• Manage and influence project activity to deliver within budget and resource requirements.
• Lead and influence the team and individuals to support an inclusive culture of equity, diversity, and the promotion of well-being.
• Motivate team members and individuals through collaborative activities, for example one-to-one coaching and team meetings, to achieve organisational goals.
• Use digital tools to analyse information and monitor performance and budgets to drive the implementation and delivery of plans and projects.
• Research, interpret and analyse information to inform the implementation of business plans or projects.
• Evaluate the impact of outcomes from organisational plans or projects to drive the decision-making process.
• Interpret and implement the practical application of regulation, legislation and organisational policies for stakeholders.
• Manage continuous improvement and change for their team and organisation.
• Analyse and prioritise organisation activities in response to the operating environment.
• Implement business continuity plans, including risk assessment, contingency planning and disaster recovery, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical functions.
• Identify and respond to external factors that may influence the future landscape and evaluate their impact on the organisation.
• Influence and negotiate with stakeholders to shape and agree goals and outcomes.
• Manage relationships across multiple and diverse stakeholders.
• Deliver sustainable services and solutions which allow the organisation to respond to changes in social, economic and environmental factors.
• Manage and facilitate learning and continuous professional development for their team.
• Coach and mentor individuals within their team.
• Develop and implement operational plans that align with the strategic direction of the organisation.

Training schedule

Operations Manager (Level 5).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

• English (grade 4-9)
• Maths (grade 4-9)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills

Other requirements

They must be able to commute to the London office and, as and when required, to our Harold Wood (RM3) office. Pay will progress in line with the National Living Wage rate set by Government. Working pattern- Three days in the office (60%), One day working from home (20%) and one day study (20%).