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Operational Leadership & Management Programme (CMI)

Summary

Study level

Undergraduate

Award

Apprenticeship

Location

Nationwide

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What makes Arden University special?

Education for everyone, everywhere

Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.

You decide how and where to study

We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.

Full support both online and on-site

We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.

Strong focus on employability

You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

As you progress into middle management, your role becomes about more than leading a team. You're expected to influence stakeholders, manage resources, improve operational performance, and help shape the direction of your organisation.

Arden University's Operational Leadership & Management Programme (CMI) has been developed to help experienced managers build the confidence, knowledge and strategic thinking needed to lead departments, functions and operational areas successfully.

Designed for established middle managers, the programme combines practical leadership development with real workplace application. Through expert-led masterclasses, flexible online learning and a Management Impact Project, you'll strengthen your ability to lead people, improve operational performance and make informed, data-driven decisions that create lasting organisational value.

Aligned to key aspects of the Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager occupational standard, the programme provides an accelerated route to professional recognition through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). On successful completion, you'll achieve either Chartered Manager (CMgr) or Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr)status, recognising your professional capability and supporting your progression into more senior leadership roles.

Why study with Arden University?

Flexible learning around your career

Continue developing your leadership capability without putting your career on hold. Study online at a pace that works alongside your professional responsibilities.

Learning you can apply immediately

Every aspect of the programme has been designed around practical workplace application, enabling you to implement new ideas, improve departmental performance and demonstrate measurable impact throughout your studies.

Expert-led professional development

Our engaging masterclasses combine current management thinking with practical tools and frameworks that help you become a more confident, strategic operational leader.

Recognised professional achievement

Successful completion leads to Chartered Manager (CMgr) or Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status through the Chartered Management Institute, helping you stand out as a recognised management professional.

Professional Accreditation

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This programme has been developed in collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and provides a recognised pathway to professional management status.

On successful completion, learners will receive:

CMI Operational Leadership & Management Programme Certification
Chartered Manager (CMgr) or Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status

Chartered Manager is widely recognised as the highest professional status for managers and leaders, demonstrating your ability to deliver organisational success through effective leadership and operational excellence.

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Career development resources

You'll have online access to a huge range of career development tools from the day you start studying.

Learn more

Course details and modules

Effective operational leaders combine strategic thinking with practical execution. They know how to develop people, improve performance, manage resources responsibly and deliver lasting organisational impact.

Throughout this programme you'll strengthen your ability to lead departments, influence stakeholders and make informed business decisions that support long-term organisational success.

By the end of the programme, you'll be able to:

Lead high-performing departments and operational teams
Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Develop inclusive leadership practices
Improve operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making
Manage departmental resources and budgets with confidence
Deliver business improvement initiatives that create measurable value
Demonstrate strategic leadership capability across your organisation

Course Modules

Develop the leadership capabilities needed to inspire teams, build strong relationships and influence across your organisation.
You'll explore:
- Building high-performing and inclusive workplace cultures
- Leading and motivating diverse teams
- Managing complex stakeholder relationships
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Conscious, reflective leadership
- Building trust and organisational alignment
This module helps you become a more confident leader who can influence people, build collaboration and drive performance beyond your immediate team.

Learn how to translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery while improving efficiency and performance.
Topics include:
- Strategic operational planning
- Delivering organisational objectives
- Budget management and financial oversight
- Commercial awareness
- Data-driven decision making
- Continuous improvement
- Operational performance monitoring
You'll develop the practical management skills needed to lead departments that are efficient, commercially aware and focused on continuous improvement.

Pillar 3: The Management Impact Project

Apply your learning through a workplace project focused on solving a genuine operational challenge or delivering a strategic improvement.
You'll learn how to:
- Plan and manage complex initiatives
- Analyse organisational challenges
- Identify opportunities for improvement
- Implement sustainable operational solutions
- Demonstrate measurable business outcomes
- Present evidence of leadership impact
The Management Impact Project provides an opportunity to showcase your leadership while delivering real value for your organisation.

How do we assess you?

Assessment is based on professional practice rather than traditional examinations.

Throughout the programme you'll demonstrate your development through:

A Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Log
Reflective leadership activities
A workplace Management Impact Project
A structured Professional Discussion

This evidence-based approach enables you to demonstrate how you've successfully applied your learning to improve operational performance within your organisation.

Study options

It’s been absolutely brilliant. The development days allow us to bounce ideas off each other and gain experience from people with different backgrounds. It really brings our online learning to life. I really look forward to attending these.

Rob Wyatt

Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship

Delivery Mode

The programme is delivered entirely online, providing the flexibility to study alongside your existing professional responsibilities.

Your learning experience includes:

Flexible self-guided online learning
High-impact virtual masterclasses
Curated learning through the CMI Thrive platform
Practical workplace activities
Interactive digital learning resources
Up to 12 months' access to the CMI Thrive digital ecosystem

This structured online model allows you to learn at your own pace while immediately applying new knowledge in your workplace.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

This programme is designed for professionals who:

Meet Arden University's standard programme entry requirements
Are established middle managers leading a department, function or operational area
Are committed to developing reflective, inclusive leadership practices
Want to strengthen their operational and strategic leadership capability.

If you're unsure whether this programme is the right fit for your experience, our Corporate Learning Partnership Managers will be happy to discuss your career goals.

Course fees and funding

Please contact our admissions team for the latest programme fees and funding options.

If you're studying through your employer, we can also discuss organisational training opportunities and group enrolments.

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Meet the faculty

Steven Hurst is Director of Corporate Learning at Arden University, where he leads the University’s apprenticeship, employer partnership and workforce development activity. Since joining Arden in 2022, Steven has overseen significant growth in the provision, with apprenticeship numbers increasing by more than 100% alongside substantial expansion of the team and employer network.

Before joining Arden, Steven held senior leadership roles at BPP University, leading large-scale apprenticeship and professional education provision. He has extensive experience across commercial education, portfolio development, organisational transformation, quality assurance and employer engagement. Steven is now leading the development of Arden’s broader professional education offer, bringing together apprenticeships, short courses, microcredentials and employer-led workforce solutions.

Steven Hurst

Director of Corporate Learning at Arden University

Career prospects

related courses

Strong operational leaders play a vital role in every organisation.

Whether you're preparing for greater departmental responsibility or looking to accelerate your progression into senior leadership, this programme helps you develop the confidence, commercial awareness and strategic capability employers value.

After completing the programme, you'll be equipped to:

Lead departments and operational functions
Drive organisational performance
Influence senior stakeholders
Manage people, budgets and resources effectively
Deliver operational improvement and organisational change
Progress towards senior management and executive leadership roles

You'll also achieve Chartered Manager (CMgr) or Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status, providing recognised professional credibility that supports your long-term career development.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The Chartered Management Institute is the UK's leading professional body for managers and leaders.

Through this programme you'll develop the strategic leadership, operational management and commercial skills expected of today's middle managers while working towards Chartered Manager (CMgr) or Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status.

Chartered Manager is recognised as the highest professional status in management, demonstrating your ability to deliver measurable organisational impact through effective leadership.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership career?

Whether you're leading a department today or preparing for greater organisational responsibility, Arden University's Level 5 Operational Leadership & Management Programme will help you strengthen your leadership capability and develop the confidence to lead operational excellence.

Speak to an advisor today to find out more.