Director of Operations (Old Buckenham Hall)

TES FE News; Rugby; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Suffolk seeks a Director of Operations to oversee all operational functions at OBH. The successful candidate will collaborate with central teams, manage estates, and ensure compliance, while leading with initiative and sound judgment. This prominent role offers the character of a family-focused prep school with the resources of a larger institution. Competitive salary up to £75,000 plus accommodation and fee remission are available.

Benefits

Accommodation

Fee remission

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior operations leadership role within an educational or similar environment.
• Strong financial and project management skills.
• Collaborative and proactive leadership style with a commitment to safeguarding and equality.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operations functions at OBH, with strategic oversight of multiple areas.
• Collaborate with central professional teams to align OBH with the Group's standards.
• Provide initiative in senior leadership decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Strong financial management

Project management

Collaborative leadership

Job description

Overview

Job title: Director of Operations. Salary up to £75,000 + accommodation + fee remission. Old Buckenham Hall (OBH) is one of East Anglia’s leading prep schools, set in 80 acres of Suffolk countryside. OBH will join Rugby School Group in January 2026. We are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to lead all operations functions at OBH and play a central role in shaping our future.

Reporting to the Group Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Headmaster, you will ensure the smooth and effective running of the school while providing strategic oversight of estates, facilities, compliance, health & safety, catering, IT, HR, finance and trading activities. This is a broad, senior role that requires initiative, sound judgement, and strong leadership. It is both a stand-alone leadership role at OBH and part of a much bigger picture, with the full support and expertise of Rugby School’s central professional teams. We’re seeking an experienced leader with strong financial and project management skills, a collaborative and proactive style, and a commitment to safeguarding and equality.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a senior leadership role with real variety, impact and visibility. OBH offers the character and intimacy of a small, family-focused prep school, combined with the resources and ambition of Rugby School Group. Suffolk is a beautiful place to live and work, and accommodation plus significant fee discounts are available.

Responsibilities

• Lead all operations functions at OBH, with strategic oversight of estates, facilities, compliance, health & safety, catering, IT, HR, finance and trading activities.
• Collaborate with Rugby School Group central professional teams to align OBH with the Group’s standards and strategic direction.
• Provide initiative and sound judgement in senior leadership decisions and drive continuous improvement across operational areas.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Experience in a senior operations leadership role within an educational or similar environment.
• Strong financial and project management skills.
• Collaborative and proactive leadership style with a commitment to safeguarding and equality.

How to Apply and Timeline

For more information and to apply: Please register and complete an application via our recruitment portal.

Closing date: 14 October 2025

• First stage interviews: 16/17 October (online)
• Final stage interviews: 6 November at OBH

Notes

• OBH and Rugby School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are key facets of our core ethos that ‘the Whole Person is the Whole point’. Find out more here: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Rugby School
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or age.
• Charity Registration Number 528752