Interim Operations Director

Panoramic Associates Limted; Bexhill-on-Sea, Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy in the UK is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Operations for a 6-month contract to lead IT and Estates/Facilities functions. The role involves strategic leadership, driving service transformation, and ensuring compliance across multiple school sites. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in operations leadership within educational or similar environments. The position offers hybrid working with some onsite presence in Hampshire.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within a Multi Academy Trust or similar.
• Strong background in service transformation and change management.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across IT and Estates/Facilities functions.
• Lead change management and transformation projects.
• Ensure compliance and operational excellence across multi-site operations.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

Operational excellence

Job description

Interim Director of Operations – IT & Estates/Facilities

Hampshire Based (occasional travel to Southampton and Isle of Wight)

6 month Contract initially – Inside IR35

Hybrid – onsite as required

Panoramic Associates is currently working with a Multi Academy Trust client to facilitate the appointment of an experienced Interim Director of Operations to lead and transform their IT and Estates/Facilities functions. The Trust is undergoing a period of operational change and improvement, and this role will be key in driving service turnaround, implementing robust processes, and ensuring efficient, compliant management across multiple school sites.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across IT and Estates/Facilities functions.
• Lead on change management and transformation projects to improve service delivery.
• Oversee multi-site operations ensuring compliance, value for money, and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement effective systems, policies, and performance frameworks.
• Work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to align operations with Trust objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations leadership role within a Multi Academy Trust, Local Authority, NHS, or charitable organisation.
• Strong background in service transformation and change management.
• Experience managing IT and Estates/Facilities across multi-site environments.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and leadership skills.

Next Steps

This role is an initial 6‑month contract with likely extension Inside IR35 (depending on experience). The position offers hybrid working, with a requirement to be onsite in Hampshire and occasional travel to Southampton and the Isle of Wight.