EMPOWER FUTURE LEADERS TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN THEIR MANAGEMENT CAREER
The Level 5 Operations/Department Manager apprenticeship builds on the skills and knowledge of managers across many different areas of the retail business to advance them to the next stage of their careers. The course explores higher-level management techniques in recruitment, team development and communication to ensure the smooth running of a department.
On completion of this programme, apprentices will be confident department leaders with strong operational and strategic planning skills which they can use to drive productivity while inspiring and motivating team members, including junior managers. They will also be able to analyse and interpret a range of business data to inform higher-level decision making, as well as gaining skills in collaborative working, change management and finance.
KEY INFORMATION
- Accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Develops leadership behaviours to mentor and inspire team members
- Maximise operational efficiency and drive key business decisions
- Create, delegate and execute strategies with confidence
- Hybrid, online and in-person delivery
- Practical experience balanced with theoretical learning
- Open cohorts for less than 11 apprentices available with rolling start dates throughout the year
- Closed cohorts for more than 11 apprentices starting at a time that suits your brand
APPRENTICESHIP DETAILS
The Level 5 Operations/Department Manager apprenticeship is the ideal programme for area managers, divisional managers and similar roles to develop effective leadership skills.
- Open cohorts start in April/May and September/October
- Closed cohorts can start at any time
- Hybrid, online and in-person delivery
- Practical experience balanced with theoretical learning
Our CMI-accredited Level 5 Operations/Department Manager programme focuses on developing team and project management skills at a higher level to lead departments or divisions with confidence. Apprentices will explore in depth subjects such as change management, strategic planning and resource management to deepen their understanding of business operations.
On completion of this apprenticeship, learners will be capable of using a range of people skills, commercial instincts and operational knowledge to drive projects forward, engage team members and develop effective strategies to meet business objectives. They will also learn to evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses and those of their team in order to utilise everyone's skills for the benefit of the wider organisation.
The Level 5 Operations/Department Manager apprenticeship costs £7,000 per learner which includes End-Point Assessment.
Funding
Apprenticeships can be funded from your Apprenticeship Levy or by Government Co-Invest. If you do not pay the Levy, the Government will fund 95% of the programme, meaning you pay as little as £350 per person you enrol. We are also able to offer privately funded places for any employees not eligible for apprenticeship funding. For further information about funding options, eligibility and costs, please contact us.
Cost Includes:
- Bespoke off-the-job learning plan
- Programme Manager overseeing the learner journey and apprentice experience
- Delivery of the programme by retail experts
- Blend of sessions including online learning, webinars, in-person workshops, and individual coaching and support
- Preparation and support for End-Point Assessment
- Dedicated Client Manager
- Access to FRA resources including WGSN, LinkedIn Learning, Global Data, Business of Fashion, Fashion/Beauty Monitor and Drapers
- Online e-Portfolio
- Monthly progress report
Duration: 15 months
The Level 5 Operations/Department Manager apprenticeship typically takes 15 months to complete, followed by a period of end-point assessment of approximately 3 months.
Next Open Cohort Intake
April/May 2024
September/October 2024
Enquire now to secure places for your team
Closed Cohorts
We can begin a closed intake apprenticeship at any time that suits your brand. We require a minimum of 10 learners to offer a closed cohort for Level 4 Operations/Department Manager.
For our closed-access programmes, we can devise a flexible programme and delivery model to support the needs of your business – please get in touch to find out more about the options available.
Off-the-job learning is delivered through a combination of full day and half day group workshops approximately every 2 weeks, which may take place online or in person.
Learning modules
Module 1: Business & Brand
- Legal & governance
- Brand reputation
- Brand development
- Market positioning
- Business markets
- Environmental factors
- Leadership
Module 2: Commercial Finance
- Profitable retail performance
- Forecasting to the retail calendar
- Financial reporting
- Resource management
Module 3: Sales, Stock & Service
- Sales target-setting
- Performance monitoring
- Evaluating product & service performance
- Understanding product range, promotions & trends
- Sales & marketing strategies
Module 4: Marketing & Communications
- Understanding marketing plans
- Business marketing strategies
- Communicating marketing objectives
- Communicating & cascading information
- Information gathering & reporting
- Communicating to a diverse audience
Module 5: Technology for Retail
- Tech requirements for business
- Understanding efficient operations & service
- Used & emerging technology
Module 6: Personal & Team Performance
- Personal & professional development requirements
- Team motivation
- Knowledge sharing/exchange
- Understanding how others learn
- Effective recruitment & selection
- Theories performance management
- Performance management tools & protocols
End-point assessment
For the Level 4 Retail Manager apprenticeship, end-point assessment is provided by EFI Awards. EPA typically takes 3 months to complete.
EPA includes written exam, retail business project and professional discussion.
It’s a true collaboration between two organisations that, at their heart, have in common creating opportunities and opening doors for young people.
Andy, Director of Buying Operations, TJX Europe