Head of Operations

The Anchor SendFriendly Independent Specialist Schools; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent specialist school in Greater London is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee non-educational functions and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. The role involves strategic leadership in areas such as facilities management, HR, and finance, aimed at supporting educational outcomes for pupils with special needs. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in a similar leadership role within an educational setting, along with relevant qualifications in business management and health & safety.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in operations or senior administrative leadership role, preferably in a school or SEND setting.
• Strong understanding of statutory compliance within education.
• Proven experience in managing budgets, contracts, and staff teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop all support services for efficient operations.
• Oversee maintenance and security of the school site.
• Manage operational budgets for facilities and resources.

Skills

Budget Management

Compliance Management

Project Management

HR Administration

Facilities Management

Health & Safety Knowledge

Education

Degree or professional qualification in business management or related discipline

NEBOSH or IOSH Health & Safety qualification

Project management qualification

Job description

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Role Summary

The Head of Operations is a key member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), responsible for the strategic and operational management of non-educational functions. These include estates and facilities, health and safety, compliance, IT, HR administration, finance operations, catering, and administrative services.

The purpose of this role is to ensure the smooth and efficient running of all support functions, enabling educational leaders to focus on delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Operations Leadership

·Collaborate with the Principal and SLT to develop and implement the school’s operational strategy, ensuring alignment with the school’s ethos, safeguarding obligations, and statutory requirements.

·Lead, manage, and develop all support services to deliver efficient, responsive, and cost-effective operations.

·Actively contribute to strategic planning processes including budgeting, resourcing, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring.

2. Facilities and Premises Management

·Oversee maintenance, security, and development of the school site, including specialist facilities (e.g., sensory rooms, therapy spaces).

·Line-manage premises staff and coordinate external contractors, ensuring all statutory regulations are met (e.g., fire safety, legionella, asbestos, COSHH).

·Lead capital development projects, liaising with consultants, architects, or local authorities as required.

·Maintain and review the premises development plan, ensuring accessibility and safety for all pupils and staff.

3. Health, Safety, and Compliance

·Act as the school’s designated Health & Safety Officer, ensuring all policies are current and staff are appropriately trained.

·Conduct risk assessments and manage compliance logs across operational areas.

·Lead emergency response planning, including fire drills and business continuity.

·Ensure timely scheduling and documentation of statutory inspections (e.g., electrical safety, lifting equipment, DSE assessments).

4. Finance and Budgetary Oversight (Operational)

·Work in partnership with the Finance Lead/Bursar to manage operational budgets for facilities, utilities, resources, catering, and transport.

·Ensure robust, ethical procurement procedures and secure best value for money.

·Maintain oversight of all supplier contracts, including performance review and renewal cycles.

5. HR and Administrative Operations

·Oversee all non-teaching HR administration, including recruitment logistics, onboarding, absence monitoring, and safer recruitment compliance.

·Ensure accurate and up-to-date maintenance of the Single Central Record (SCR).

·Manage administrative staff, delivering high-quality support across reception, clerical, and records functions.

·Lead regular reviews of operational policies (e.g., Data Protection, Visitor Policy, Lettings Policy).

6. IT, Data, and Digital Systems

·Manage IT infrastructure in coordination with internal or external providers.

·Oversee the digital strategy for operations and ensure compliance with data protection (GDPR).

·Ensure administrative and MIS systems are effective, secure, and well maintained.

7. Transport and Catering

·Oversee contracts for pupil transport, particularly for those requiring assisted transport or escorts, ensuring punctuality and safeguarding.

·Manage catering provision to meet pupils’ dietary needs, including allergies and sensory diets.

8. Stakeholder Communication and Engagement

·Act as an operational point of contact for external agencies, contractors, local authorities, and regulators (e.g., Ofsted, HSE).

·Provide operational updates and reporting to governors/trustees on performance, risks, and compliance.

·Support communication with parents/carers on matters such as school events, transport, and access.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or professional qualification in business management, facilities management, or related discipline.
• Substantial experience in an operations or senior administrative leadership role, preferably in a school or SEND setting.
• Strong understanding of statutory compliance within education (H&S, safeguarding, data protection, HR).
• Proven experience in managing budgets, contracts, and staff teams.
• NEBOSH or IOSH Health & Safety qualification.
• Experience in a specialist education setting (e.g., SEMH, ASD, PMLD, complex needs).
• Project management qualification or experience leading capital works.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Education

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