Operations/Departmental Manager Level 5

An operations/departmental manager is someone who manages teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisations strategy. They are accountable to a more senior manager or business owner. Working in the private, public or third sector and in all sizes of organisation, specific responsibilities and job titles will vary, but the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed will be the same. Key responsibilities may include creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring. Roles may include: Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Department Manager and specialist managers.

There are no formal entry requirements although we would expect candidates to have English and Maths GCSEs (or equivalent). In addition to this candidates may have a level 3 qualification (e.g. A levels) and or some work experience relating to the standard. Candidates also need to be in a role that will enable them to develop the evidence requirement of the programme and complete the End Point Assessment.

Outcomes and progression
By the end of the programme candidates will have:

The CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership certificate
The Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship Standard certificate
The opportunity register as full a member of the CMI (and use the letters MCMI after their name)
Those with over 3 years’ management experience can also apply for Chartered Manager status through the CMI.

The apprenticeship consists of three elements:

Knowledge and skills
Behaviours
Operational Management
Project Management
Finance
Leading People
Managing people
Building relationships
Communication
Self-awareness
Management of self
Decision making
Professionalism
Personal qualities
Managing performance
Adaptability
Responsibility
End Point Assessment
In the case of the Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) is the Chartered Management Institute. The EPA consists of five elements: