Education jobs in South Africa

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ROLE SUMMARY The Head of Operations plays a vital strategic and operational leadership role, ensuring all non-academic functions of the school run safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

Overseeing key areas such as facilities, security, transportation, procurement, health and safety, catering and general administration, the postholder ensures that operational excellence supports the delivery of outstanding education.

Operating as a senior member of the school leadership team, the Head of Operations contributes to long-term planning, major projects, resource management and compliance, while maintaining a safe, high-quality learning environment for all students and staff.

Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership across all operational departments, including facilities, maintenance, security, transportation, catering, and procurement.

Act as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to schoolwide planning and decision-making.

Develop, implement, and monitor operational policies, procedures, and plans in line with local regulations and global best practice.

Manage operational budgets and contracts, ensuring efficiency and value for money.

Oversee full health and safety compliance, ensuring a safe and functional campus environment.

Lead major infrastructure projects, including installations, renovations, and campus expansions.

Ensure all service providers deliver high-quality performance aligned with school expectations.

Manage risks and emergency response procedures in collaboration with relevant teams.

Oversee transportation services, including contractor performance, bus matrons, drivers, routing, safety checks, and compliance with government regulations.

Respond promptly to parent enquiries and complaints related to operations or transport.

Monitor operational KPIs and provide regular reporting.

Supervise operations staff including Facilities Managers, Transportation Coordinators and support teams.

Collaborate with academic and administrative teams to support seamless daily school operations.

Assist the Regional Head of Operations when required.

Additional duties may be assigned by the Executive Head as reasonable and appropriate.

Essential Ability to lead, manage and evaluate a wide range of school support functions.

Proven experience implementing policies and processes for operational excellence.

Strong problem-solving, organisational and time-management skills.

Minimum 5+ years in operations or facilities management, including 2+ years in a leadership role.

Experience managing budgets, contracts and teams.

Excellent interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.

Strong command of English (spoken and written).

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Knowledge of local legal, health and safety standards.

Understanding of safeguarding within an educational environment.

Clean police background check and ability to provide two references.

Desirable Experience in a school or educational setting.

Experience managing school transport and facilities.

Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma).

Professionalism, integrity and strong ethical standards.

Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

Ability to motivate teams and inspire high performance.

Commitment to continuous professional development.

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment.

Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.