At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a Free School, ensuring compliance and effective management.
- Company: Reputable Free School in Berkshire dedicated to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Benefits: Flexible working during holidays, career progression opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on compliance, health, and safety in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a values-driven team.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and significant senior operational leadership experience required.
Dedicate Recruitment is seeking an exceptional Head of Operations for a reputable Free School in Berkshire, for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This pivotal role sits within the Senior Leadership Team and requires a strong background in financial management, with a focus on compliance legislation, health and safety, and operational governance.
The Head of Operations will bring:
- A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- Relevant professional qualifications in HR, Finance, Business Management, or Operations, such as CIPD Level 3, IOSH/NEBOSH, or Data Protection Officer training.
- Significant senior operational leadership experience, preferably within an education setting or a similarly complex organisation.
- Proven expertise in financial procedures, budget monitoring, and internal controls. Experience supporting financial audits and overseeing safeguarding responsibilities is desirable.
- Deep understanding of health and safety legislation and compliance (e.g. IOSH/NEBOSH qualifications desirable).
- Experience managing operational HR practices, including recruitment, employee relations, and safeguarding responsibilities within a school environment.
- Knowledge of UK GDPR, data protection, and information governance in an educational setting.
On a personal note, the Head of Operations will possess natural leadership skills with the ability to influence and guide multidisciplinary teams effectively. Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills, with a focus on risk management and compliance.
In return, you will be joining a ‘values led’ SLT and a school which puts its children first and a team that embraces and supports this. This is a term time only role offering flexible working during the holidays, plus opportunities for career progression.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 24th June 2026. Interview: Wednesday 1st July 2026. A site visit is highly recommended prior to application.
Head of Operations in Maidenhead employer: Dedicate Recruitment Ltd
Dedicate Recruitment is an outstanding employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises the well-being of both staff and students. As the Head of Operations in a reputable Free School in Berkshire, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements during holidays, alongside ample opportunities for professional development and career progression within a dedicated Senior Leadership Team focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! A site visit is highly recommended, so take the time to understand their values and culture. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn to get insider info about the school. This can give you valuable insights that you can use during interviews to stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your knowledge of financial management, compliance legislation, and health and safety. We recommend practising your responses with a friend or using mock interviews to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your relevant experience in operational leadership and financial management. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description, like compliance legislation and health and safety, to show us you understand what we're looking for. It’ll make your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for the role shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can find all the info you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dedicate Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of financial management and compliance legislation. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, especially around health and safety and operational governance. This will show that you're not just interested in the position but also understand its complexities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in an educational or complex organisational setting. Think about times when you influenced multidisciplinary teams or managed operational HR practices. This will help demonstrate your natural leadership abilities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about potential challenges in a school environment and how you would handle them, especially regarding safeguarding and compliance issues.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's values, team dynamics, and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
