At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in a Free School, ensuring compliance and effective governance.
- 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 children's wellbeing and educational success.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 Reading employer: Dedicate Recruitment Ltd
Dedicate Recruitment is an outstanding employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture within a reputable Free School in Berkshire. As the Head of Operations, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements during holidays, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a collaborative environment that prioritises the well-being of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values before your interview. A site visit is highly recommended, so take the time to chat with staff and understand the environment. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your financial management skills! Since this role requires a strong background in financial procedures and budget monitoring, be ready to discuss your experience in these areas. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style during the interview. The Head of Operations needs to influence and guide multidisciplinary teams, so think about how you can demonstrate your natural leadership skills. Share stories that highlight your ability to motivate and manage teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your knowledge of compliance legislation and health and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past roles, especially in an educational setting. This will show that you’re not just qualified but also committed to creating a safe and compliant environment for the children.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Reading
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 to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application 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 key points stand out. We want to get to know you quickly!
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’ll find all the info you need about the application process 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 is your chance to shine a light on your natural leadership abilities!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making processes. Prepare for scenarios related to budget monitoring, safeguarding responsibilities, and compliance issues. Practising these responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the school’s values and operations. Inquire about their approach to risk management or how they support staff development. This shows that you’re not only focused on the role but also on contributing positively to the school environment.
