Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 5 is the most recognised.
Level 5 most recognisedOpen entry
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
1
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 5)
Any of these strengthens your application.
2
Where this can take you
Senior management role reached by experience/promotion; Operations or Departmental Manager Level 5 apprenticeship covers 'Divisional manager'; larger organisations may expect a degree (L6).