Founding Operations Director – Alternative Provision

Compass Associates; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Associates is seeking an Operations Director to lead the launch of a new Alternative Provision venture. You will shape operational foundations, set up sites, ensure safeguarding and compliance, and design staffing structures with strong executive support.

You will work with founders to drive growth, establish scalable processes, and build an outcomes-driven culture across multiple centres with commercial viability.

Qualifications

• Experience opening, scaling, or improving AP education provisions.
• Strong operational and compliance expertise.
• Deep understanding of safeguarding and education quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Leading operational setup and day-to-day oversight across AP sites
• Creating and implementing policies, procedures, and operational frameworks
• Driving safeguarding, compliance, and quality assurance standards
• Designing staffing models, timetables, and operational processes
• Supporting the launch and stabilisation of new provisions
• Working closely with the leadership team on growth strategy and expansion
• Building a strong operational culture focused on outcomes and accountability
• Ensuring provisions are commercially sustainable while delivering exceptional support to young people

Skills

Operational leadership

Compliance

Safeguarding

AP experience

Strategic execution

Job description

Compass Associates is seeking an Operations Director to lead the launch of a new Alternative Provision venture. You will shape operational foundations, set up sites, ensure safeguarding and compliance, and design staffing structures with strong executive support.

You will work with founders to drive growth, establish scalable processes, and build an outcomes-driven culture across multiple centres with commercial viability.