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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and people strategies to create a thriving workplace culture.
- Company: Join Open Thinking Partnership, a values-driven education trust focused on exceptional outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, free parking, and a local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and shape the future of education while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Natural leader with strong communication skills and a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Other info: Opportunity to help open a new school in 2027 and contribute to a positive organisational culture.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
Do you thrive on creating thriving workplace cultures where people feel valued and inspired?
Are you a strategic leader who knows how to drive impact through people, systems, and innovation?
Do you want to make a difference to employees, communities and young people across a growing trust?
The Company: ER Recruitment is excited to be working exclusively with Open Thinking Partnership (OTP). OTP is a values-driven education trust committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and young people. OTP fosters a culture of support, accountability, and continual improvement. The Trust prioritises people, equality, and impact in every decision. OTP is an employer of choice across its local areas and actively champions innovation, inclusion, and leadership development.
Role & Responsibilities of the Director of Operations & People:
- Provide visible, inspiring leadership aligned with OTP's ethos and strategic goals.
- Work alongside the CEO and Executive Head Teachers to deliver a strategy that supports strong schools, sustainable growth, and better outcomes for children.
- Lead central operations, including HR, IT, Finance, and estates, to drive consistency, high performance, and safe, fit-for-purpose learning environments, while providing strategic guidance to the Board of Trustees.
- Drive a culture of collaborative team performance and professional development, within your own team and across the organisation, to meet the organisational goals.
- Monitor, evaluate and enhance systems and strategies for continuous improvement.
- Lead and support organisational change with proactive and effective operational practices.
- Promote safeguarding and wellbeing throughout all people, finance, and operational processes.
- Shape and deliver approaches that attract, support, and grow great people—helping them thrive so we can achieve the best outcomes for children.
- Build strong partnerships with colleagues and stakeholders to shape decisions and drive positive outcomes for the Trust.
About You as the Director of Operations & People:
- A natural leader who develops a culture of motivating others, creating trust, and who generates a strong sense of shared purpose.
- A confident communicator who thrives on collaboration and builds strong partnerships, listens well, and knows when to lead, involve, or support.
- Brings focus and positivity through change, always working towards the best outcomes for children and young people.
- Strong eye for detail, but always thinking about the bigger picture, balancing value for money with the human impact of every decision.
- Calm under pressure, reflective, and not afraid to learn or adapt when things don’t go to plan.
- A drive to improve, always exploring better ways of working that keep the children at the heart of everything.
Additional Benefits:
- 27 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays, with the ability to buy additional leave (subject to conditions). Additional 5 days holiday added following 5 years’ continuous service.
- Free on site parking.
- Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Ability to work from multiple sites.
- Smart Clinic (Employee Assistance Programme).
- Work with a passionate team driven by purpose and values.
- Opportunity to shape the future of an ambitious education trust including helping to open a new school in 2027.
OTP is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children & young people, & expects all staff & volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check & other pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment practices.
While we aim to get back to all applicants however if you do not receive a response within seven working days then unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Please note by applying for this role you give consent for ER Recruitment to retain your CV for up to 24 months for the purposes of assisting you to find your next role unless you notify us otherwise. We are here to help with your career so please send a copy of your CV to us. If you know of anyone else who is looking for their next opportunity, please feel free to refer them to us or pass on our details. We look forward to hearing from you.
Director of Operations & People employer: Eileen Richards Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Eileen Richards Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations & People
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Open Thinking Partnership's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to creating a thriving workplace culture will help you align your leadership style with their ethos, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of OTP to gain insights into their operational practices and culture. This can provide you with valuable information that you can reference during discussions, showcasing your genuine interest in the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven change and improved workplace culture in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in leading teams and fostering collaboration will demonstrate your capability to fulfil the responsibilities of this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in education and operational management. Being knowledgeable about innovative practices in these areas will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations with the hiring team, showing that you're proactive and forward-thinking.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations & People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Director of Operations & People position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role's expectations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for creating thriving workplace cultures and your strategic leadership skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive impact through people and systems.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your previous roles that involved leadership, HR, and operational management. Emphasise your achievements in fostering collaboration, professional development, and continuous improvement within teams.
Showcase Your Values: Since OTP is a values-driven organisation, make sure to convey your alignment with their ethos in both your cover letter and CV. Discuss how you prioritise people, equality, and impact in your decision-making processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Eileen Richards Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Operations & People, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss how you inspire and motivate teams, create trust, and foster a shared purpose. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your approach.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The role requires a strategic leader who can drive impact through people and systems. Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and implementing strategies that align with organisational goals, particularly in educational settings.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential for this position. Be ready to share examples of how you've built partnerships and worked effectively with various stakeholders, including senior leaders and team members.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Continuous Improvement
OTP values continual improvement and innovation. Discuss how you've monitored and enhanced systems in previous roles, and be prepared to share your ideas on fostering a culture of professional development and operational excellence.
