Empower experienced and aspiring strategic leaders to shape vision, lead managers, and drive organisational success through transformative, fully funded leadership development. 

Middle managers are the vital link between strategy and execution—but they’re often under-supported in their development. This Level 5 apprenticeship, delivered in partnership with Raise the Bar, reignites passion for their roles, builds new capabilities and strengthens existing ones. 

Designed to help operational leaders thrive, the programme develops the behaviours, mindset and skills needed to lead with confidence, drive performance and deliver strategic impact. Fully funded and delivered remotely, it’s a flexible, high-impact investment in your leadership pipeline. 

Who is this programme for?

This programme is ideal for experienced middle managers who act as the bridge between strategy and execution. Already responsible for leading teams, managing projects, and driving performance, they’re ready to become agile, proactive leaders who shape culture, navigate change, and deliver strategic impact. It’s also suitable for those aspiring to a strategic leadership role, with opportunities to apply their learning to lead managers or projects. 

Best fit for: 

  • Managers overseeing people, projects, and performance across departments. 
  • Leaders ready to enhance emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. 
  • Individuals expected to drive change and improve operational efficiency. 
  • Those being prepared for senior leadership or succession planning. 
  • Businesses aiming to build inclusive, high-performing leadership teams.

What will they learn?

Participants gain the strategic, operational and interpersonal skills needed to lead confidently, drive performance, and navigate complexity. 

Key skills: 

  • Operational excellence: Deliver results through structured planning and resource management. 
  • Effective communication: Build trust and influence across teams and stakeholders. 
  • Strategic decision-making: Apply data-driven thinking to solve problems and manage risk. 
  • People management: Motivate, coach and develop others to achieve shared goals. 
  • Financial awareness: Understand budgeting and resource allocation to support business priorities. 

Key facts

Level
Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship Standard
Qualification
Level 5 Apprenticeship
Duration
18 months plus five months for apprenticeship assessment
Provider
Raise the Bar in partnership with Grant Thornton
Entry requirements
Must be working in a role that provides the opportunity to apply learning
Schedule
Tailored to each learner, with support from experienced coaches and thought leaders
Delivery
Delivered remotely for maximum flexibility
Assessment
Achievement is gained through completion of Apprenticeship Assessment activities
Fees and funding
Fully funded up to £9,000 by the Apprenticeship Levy
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH RAISE THE BAR

Empowering leadership through transformative learning

Our partnership with Raise the Bar is built on a shared vision to inspire, motivate and develop individuals and teams to reach their full potential. Raise the Bar brings world-class speakers and cutting-edge leadership insights to organisations, blending lived experience with impactful development programmes.  

Its commitment to forward-thinking and lasting change complements Grant Thornton’s practical commercial insight and strategic perspective. Together, we deliver learning experiences that foster resilience, collaboration and performance-boosting morale, sparking innovation and aligning teams with a shared vision for success.  

Why Raise the Bar? 

  • Real-world impact through lived experience - Programmes led by  world-class speakers with authentic leadership experience. 
  • Award-winning excellence - Recognised for its outstanding contribution to leadership and talent development, earning accolades that reflect its commitment to quality, innovation and measurable impact. 
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Ofsted Good training provider logo
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