Operations Lead

THE WHITE HORSE FEDERATION; Melksham; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Menopause Support Network

Discounts on holidays, clothing and so

Discounts for Teachers

Blue Light Card Discount

Eye Care Vouchers

Job summary

The White Horse Federation seeks a Senior Operations Lead to provide strategic operational leadership across Melksham Oak Community School and the wider Trust. You will oversee professional services, coordinate support functions, drive compliance and service delivery, and act as the key link between school teams and central services.

Join us to shape the future of our school community, support outstanding educational outcomes, and foster an inclusive, high‑performing operations culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in operations, business management or professional services leadership.
• Strong knowledge of compliance, health and safety, facilities, finance or administrative functions.
• Excellent organisational, planning and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead all non-teaching functions to support educational outcomes.
• Coordinate professional services and support functions across the school and Trust.
• Drive compliance and operational excellence in service delivery.
• Act as the link between school teams and central services to improve coordination.

Skills

Operations leadership

Compliance

Organisational skills

Stakeholder management

Change management

Inclusion & excellence

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Operations Lead to provide exceptional operational leadership across our school. You'll oversee professional services, coordinate support functions, and work closely with colleagues both within the school and across the wider Trust to deliver efficient, compliant and high-quality operations that support our strategic ambitions and educational outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key strategic role in the life of the school, leading all non-teaching functions and ensuring the effective delivery of operational services. Acting as the vital link between the school and central Trust teams, you will drive excellence in service delivery, compliance and operational effectiveness, helping to create the conditions for students and staff to thrive. If you are a collaborative leader with a passion for operational excellence and a commitment to supporting outstanding educational outcomes, we would love to hear from you. Join us and play a key role in shaping the future success of Melksham Oak Community School.All About You You will be a highly organised and proactive operational leader with experience of managing a range of business and support functions within a complex organisation. With excellent communication and relationship-building skills, you will be confident working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, acting as a trusted link between school teams and central services. You will bring strong organisational and problem-solving abilities, enabling you to manage competing priorities, drive continuous improvement and ensure that high standards of compliance and service delivery are maintained. You will be comfortable leading teams, influencing others and embedding efficient processes that support the smooth running of the school. Most importantly, you will share our commitment to providing the very best environment for students and staff, recognising that outstanding operational support plays a vital role in delivering exceptional educational outcomes.

• Experience in operations, business management or professional services leadership
• Strong knowledge of compliance, health and safety, facilities, finance or administrative functions
• Excellent organisational, planning and project management skills
• The ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders
• A proactive, solution-focused approach and the confidence to lead change and drive improvement
• A commitment to supporting a culture of high expectations, inclusion and excellence

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious professional to make a real impact within a successful and growing school community.

Why Work for Us? You'll become part of a welcoming and supportive community where both staff and students are encouraged to thrive. Here's what makes us a great place to work:

• A warm, inclusive culture built on strong values, mutual respect and a genuine commitment to staff and student wellbeing
• Dedicated and passionate colleagues who work collaboratively to help every young person achieve their potential
• Positive, motivated students who are eager to learn and engage in school life
• A supportive leadership team that values and invests in its staff
• Excellent professional development opportunities through The White Horse Federation, providing access to high-quality training, shared expertise and a strong network of schools

Join us and be part of a team making a real difference to the lives of young people every day.

Salary: Hay Q Lower points 29-33 (£41,177.45 - £45,529.48 actual salary) Hours: 37 hours per week, all year round (would consider term-time plus two weeks (41 weeks) if required) Contract: Permanent

About The White Horse Federation

The White Horse Federation is a large Multi-Academy Trust in South West and South East England, committed to providing the very best education for our students. We believe in empowering our staff to be the very best they can be, which is why you will find a wide range of professional development opportunities available when you join us., In addition, our employees reap the rewards of a competitive benefits package, including:

Wellbeing and Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Menopause Support Network
• Discounts on holidays, clothing and much more
• Discounts for Teachers
• Blue Light Card Discount
• Eye Care Vouchers

Development

• Access to up-to-date safeguarding and child protection training
• Ongoing updates on statutory safeguarding guidance and legislation
• Comprehensive CPD Programme
• Supportive leadership team to help you reach your full potential

Pension and Leave

• Excellent Pension Scheme
• Employer contributions above national standards
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
• An additional White Horse concessionary day's leave each year