At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across multiple schools, driving performance and improvement.
- Company: Established education provider focused on specialist schools.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, mental health resources, and flexible pay options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while leading innovative operational projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in multi-site leadership and strong knowledge of education compliance.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: National remit – hybrid role - travel
Salary: £63,000 - £65,000 + 3k car allowance
Are you an experienced and ambitious leader in education and would like to play a pivotal role in supporting a portfolio of specialist schools? An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Operations Lead to support a portfolio of schools within a well-established Education provider.
The Role: This is a high-impact leadership opportunity, working closely with Headteachers, Principals and central support functions to drive operational performance, deliver continuous improvement and ensure specialist schools achieve the highest possible outcomes for children and young people.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead multi-site operations – Partner with Headteachers, Principals and Education Leadership Teams to drive consistent operational standards, manage risk and support schools through growth, change and development.
- Drive performance and improvement – Analyse key performance indicators including occupancy, attendance, safeguarding, behaviour, workforce performance, complaints and budgets, identifying opportunities and implementing improvement plans.
- Champion quality and compliance – Ensure schools remain inspection-ready and compliant with Independent School Standards, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding legislation, leading audits and following through on improvement actions.
- Strengthen workforce performance – Work alongside school leaders and HR to improve recruitment, retention, workforce planning, training, supervision and employee engagement, supporting long-term workforce stability.
- Lead projects and change – Take ownership of operational projects across the Education Division, including new service mobilisation, expansion, systems implementation and improvement programmes, ensuring delivery against key milestones.
- Influence financial and operational performance – Work with senior stakeholders across Finance, HR, Quality, Compliance and Business Development to optimise resources, support occupancy growth, improve efficiency and strengthen overall school performance.
About You:
- Experienced multi-site leader with a strong track record of supporting senior leaders within regulated environments and working effectively across geographically dispersed locations.
- Strong quality and compliance knowledge, with an understanding of Independent School Standards, Ofsted/Estyn frameworks, safeguarding, Health & Safety and GDPR.
- Data-driven and improvement-focused, confident analysing performance information, identifying trends and delivering quality, operational and performance improvements.
- Proven project and change management experience, with the ability to lead initiatives, manage competing priorities and implement sustainable improvements.
- Excellent communicator and influencer, with strong relationship-building, organisational and problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience required; PGCE desirable.
Package Includes:
- Base salary of £63,000 - £65,000 + 3k car allowance.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.
- Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.
- Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.
- Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.
Operations Lead - Education in England employer: Compass Associates
Compass Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Wokingham. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement, all while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming healthcare operations. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages you to thrive.
