Deputy Head

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Rosebank; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Pridwin Preparatory School, located in Melrose, Johannesburg, is seeking a Deputy Head of School Operations to join its Senior Management Team. This leadership role involves overseeing operational excellence across various functions within the school, ensuring a high-quality educational experience. The successful candidate will bring extensive leadership experience, a relevant degree, and a proactive approach to school operations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a leadership role in school operations or similar environment.
• Experience in facilities management and health and safety preferred.
• Teaching competency in the classroom and on the sports field is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee facilities management and maintenance of school facilities.
• Manage risk and compliance functions for a safe environment.
• Lead the management of school resources and ensure operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

People Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Financial Acumen

Education

Degree in a relevant field

SACE certificate

Job description

Situated in Melrose, Johannesburg, Pridwin Preparatory School is a distinguished Christian boys’ school with a century-long tradition of excellence, dedicated to developing each boy’s potential to positively impact society.

WHY PRIDWIN?

At Pridwin, we benefit from a highly cohesive and dedicated team of staff members. Their strong collaborative spirit supports a diligent work ethic, as they exhibit a palpable enthusiasm for the school community and the upliftment of our boys. Recognising their invaluable contributions, Pridwin ensures a competitive and comprehensive compensation structure, fostering a culture of commitment and mutual respect that directly enhances the educational experience provided to our boys.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Pridwin is seeking to appoint a dynamic and highly capable Deputy Head: Head of School Operations to join our Senior Management Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and proactive leader to drive operational excellence and support the school in delivering a high-quality educational experience for our students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As Deputy Head: Head of School Operations, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the smooth and efficient operation of the school across a wide range of functions.

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Facilities Management: Lead and manage the facilities team including the Estate Manager, ensuring timely and cost-effective maintenance of school facilities. Oversee capital expansion and renovation projects, ensuring high-quality implementation post-site handover.
• Occupational Health and Safety: Manage risk, legal, and compliance functions, ensuring a safe and healthy environment in line with school-related laws and regulations. Collaborate with internal and external teams to mitigate risks and address safety concerns.
• School Timetabling and Calendar: Oversee the development and management of school timetables and the school calendar to ensure smooth operational flow across all academic and extracurricular activities.
• School Operations and Resource Management: Lead the management of school resources, including staff duties, transport management (including school buses), and event coordination. Ensure efficient management of school venues for staff development and events.
• Policy and Procedure Management: Ensure relevant school policies and procedures are effectively implemented and adhered to. Oversee the management and development of operational budgets.
• Additional Duties: Oversee the execution of various key school functions, such as school discipline, fundraising activities, chapel programs, assemblies, lost property management, and much more.
• Board and PPA Meetings: Attend and contribute to key meetings, ensuring that operational strategies align with the broader school vision.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Experience and Qualifications:
  • A degree in a relevant field is required, along with a SACE certificate.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a leadership role in school operations or a similar environment. Previous experience in facilities management, health and safety, and managing large teams will be highly advantageous.
  • Teaching competency in the classroom and on the sports field is advantageous.
• Skills And Abilities:
  • Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of driving operational improvements.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage with all school stakeholders, including parents, staff, and external providers.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
  • Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
  • Knowledge of school policies and procedures and the ability to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Personal Qualities:
  • A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a collaborative and flexible approach to leadership.
  • Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of school operations.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Pridwin Preparatory School offers a competitive remuneration package, and this role provides an exceptional opportunity to be part of a leading educational institution with a strong commitment to student excellence and operational efficiency.

To apply, please submit your CV along with the names and contacts of three referees to [e-mail] , with the subject line: Head of School Operations.

Pridwin is an equal opportunity employer. The appointment will be based on merit, taking into account factors such as the Pridwin Employment Equity Policy. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.