
AI Empowered Leadership & Operations Manager (Level 5)
levy-funded training for both new and existing employees
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Short courses
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- Understanding the apprenticeship levy
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The standard for this programme has been specifically created by business experts, for business practitioners.

The programme will support your organisation to align operations with strategy, adapt to change, improve performance, and deliver on broader legal and societal responsibilities.

It provides a great framework to build a stronger, more confident workforce equipped with practical supply chain skills.
Programme Overview
The Level 5 AI Empowered Leadership & Operations Manager programme is designed for current or aspiring Operations Managers, Warehouse Managers, Production Supervisors, Retail Operations Leads, and Team Leaders across logistics, manufacturing, food production, pharma, retail, and customer services who are ready to step up into senior management and leadership roles. The programme builds advanced managerial capacities across teams, projects, stakeholders, and change – equipping managers with the strategic insight and practical tools they need to lead operations in complex, dynamic environments.
The course focusses on leadership and management, operations and process management, project management, finance, change management, lean thinking and continuous improvement, sustainability, and people management – equipping learners to turn business strategy into operational excellence.
Who is the programme for?
As companies navigate increasingly complex and delicate supply chains to stay competitive, it’s essential that their workforce not only understands the specific demands of their roles but also grasps the broader context in which their business operates.
The AI Empowered Leadership & Operations Manager programme is ideal for experienced supervisors, coordinators, or first-line managers wanting to advance into full operations management roles. It’s also suited to current Operations Managers seeking formal credentialing and development in areas such as team leadership, stakeholder relations, operational planning, change management, equality & diversity, and sustainability.
Organisations looking to develop strong, competent operations leadership with AI skills to be able to deliver business strategy, manage change, and meet legal and ethical responsibilities.
Where will the programme take your people and your organisation?
Enrolling your employees in the AI Empowered Leadership & Operations Manager programme will equip them with the strategic and ethical awareness – compliance, EDI, CSR, sustainability – all essential for modern operations management.
The programme will support your organisation to align operations with strategy, adapt to change, improve performance, and deliver on broader legal and societal responsibilities.
Beyond productivity gains, the programme also enhances employee engagement and retention – key outcomes of investing in structured workforce development. This programme also supports succession planning by developing a pipeline of talent ready to grow with the business.
This qualification also serves as a stepping stone for those ready to progress further – potentially into our Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship, delivered through the Apprenticeship Levy.
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Programme information
Programme title
AI Empowered Leadership & Operations Manager (Level 5)
Duration
21 months (including 5-month End Point Assessment)
Delivery options
- ○ Online virtual 3-hour sessions once a month
- ○ Tutor-assessed workbooks
Start Dates
March, June and October
Application deadline
6 weeks prior to the start date
Study modes
Online teaching, performance coaching, guided self-study, and workplace projects
Funding
The AI Empowered Leadership & Operations Manager (Level 5) is fully supported by government funding:
- ○ Apprenticeship Levy for large employers
- ○ Up to 95% co-funding for SMEs
This makes it a highly cost-effective supply chain apprenticeship for companies investing in their workforce.
Delivery model
- ○ Blended learning: live in-person and online teaching, with workplace projects that allow you to apply what you learn in your real role
- ○ Expert tutors, peer networks, and coaching support to help you lead change and deliver impact
- ○ Assessment will include work-based projects, reflective practice, operational plan delivery, and evaluation of team performance, projects, and EDI / CSR outcomes
What will students learn?
Through the Operations Manager Apprenticeship, learners will explore:
- ○ Team Leadership & Performance
- ○ Stakeholder Management & Strategic Relationships
- ○ Operational Planning & Organisational Objectives
- ○ Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI); Legal & Ethical Responsibilities
- ○ Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability
Support provided
Participants will receive support from expert tutors, industry-aligned content, real-world work-based projects, and access to a peer network that enhances their learning journey.

