At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations for a Free School, ensuring compliance and supporting key services.
- Company: Reputable Free School in Berkshire focused on children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Benefits: Flexible working during holidays, term-time only role, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a values-led Senior Leadership Team committed to children's growth and understanding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a pupil-centred environment while leading a dedicated 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 successful candidate will oversee key support services including finance, HR, site management, ICT, and health & safety, ensuring all operational activities adhere to statutory requirements and best practice standards. You will play a vital role in maintaining the school's operational integrity, supporting school improvement initiatives, and upholding its values of understanding, respect, and genuine growth in a pupil-centred environment.
The successful candidate will possess:
- 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.
- Strong 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.
- Knowledge of UK GDPR, data protection, and information governance in an educational setting.
In return, you will be joining a values led SLT and schools 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
Dedicate Recruitment is an outstanding employer, offering a supportive and values-driven work culture that prioritises the well-being and development of both staff and students. As the Head of Operations at a reputable Free School in Berkshire, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements during holidays, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within a dedicated Senior Leadership Team focused on fostering a pupil-centred environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that champions understanding, respect, and genuine growth.
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 environment. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn to gain insights about the school's culture and operations. This insider knowledge can give you an edge during interviews.
✨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 to demonstrate your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a team that prioritises children and values growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in financial management, compliance, and operational governance. We want to see how your background aligns with the school's values and needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in an educational setting and how your leadership skills can contribute to the school's mission. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPD, IOSH, or NEBOSH. We’re looking for candidates who have a solid understanding of health and safety legislation and operational HR practices, so make sure these stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dedicate Recruitment
✨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 the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you influenced your team to achieve goals. This is crucial for a Head of Operations role, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the school's values.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to operational challenges or compliance issues. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and readiness to handle real-life situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's operational strategies and future initiatives. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the school’s values align with yours. It’s a two-way street, after all!
