---
title: "Operational Leadership & Management Programme (CMI)"
description: "Level 5 Operational Leadership & Management Programme (CMI) Professional Development Programme | Arden University"
canonical: "https://arden.ac.uk/apprenticeships/cmi-operational-leadership-and-management"
published: 2026-07-02
updated: 2026-08-26
author: "Arden University"
---

# Operational Leadership & Management Programme (CMI)

## 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

Pillar 1: Leading People & Stakeholders

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.

Pillar 2: Operational Delivery & Excellence

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

![Rob Wyatt](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2023-11/RobWyatt.jpg)

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.

## Meet the faculty

![Steven Hurst](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-08/image-20260818-144721.png)

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

- [ First-Line Management Programme (CMI)  ](https://arden.ac.uk/apprenticeships/cmi-first-line-management-programme)
- [ Senior Executive Leadership Programme (CMI)  ](https://arden.ac.uk/apprenticeships/cmi-senior-executive-leadership-programme)

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)](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2021-04/Arden%20University%20joins%20forces%20with%20CMI_standard_card.png)

### 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.**

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