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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and oversee daily operations at a top independent girls' school.
- Company: Join the prestigious Girls' Day School Trust, known for excellence in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and generous pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the educational mission of a leading school.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in strategic planning and facilities management required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and training opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Operations role at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust).
Salary: Competitive salary, plus excellent benefits
Required from: January 2026
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Role Overview
This exciting opportunity calls for strategic leadership and effective running of South Hampstead High School, the 2022 Independent Girls’ School of the Year. The role combines long‑term planning with day‑to‑day oversight, optimising resources, and driving service quality to support the school’s educational mission.
Responsibilities
- Lead long‑term planning and day‑to‑day oversight of staff and services.
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for key areas such as facilities management, health & safety, enterprise and commercial development, and events.
- Manage in‑house teams and contractors, driving efficiency across support services.
- Commercialise school facilities, pursue cost‑saving opportunities and service improvements.
- Oversee estates, maintenance, cleaning and security teams to ensure smooth operations.
- Collaborate closely with the Director of Finance and Operations on building projects and with the Premises Manager on health & safety.
- Deputise for the Director of Finance and Operations as required to maintain leadership continuity.
Qualifications
- Senior management experience including strategic planning, people management, administration, financial management and project management.
- Essential experience in property and facilities management and/or site development.
- Strong problem‑solving skills, strategic thinking and ability to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and ethical requirements.
About the School
South Hampstead High School, located in leafy Hampstead, offers a stimulating and challenging environment with excellent public transport links and local amenities.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
- Discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
Closing date is Tuesday 4th November 2025 at 9am. Apply by clicking the apply button.
Head of Operations in City of London employer: GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
Contact Detail:
GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at GDST. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info that could give you the edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want to see how you can align your strategic vision with their mission. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or managed projects. We love hearing about real-life experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role. Remember, we’re all about making connections!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic planning and facilities management, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you've led teams and managed projects in the past. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive efficiency and improve service quality, as these are key aspects of the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and why you're a great fit for the position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST (The Girls' Day School Trust)
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Head of Operations and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with South Hampstead High School's mission and values, as well as recent achievements or initiatives that highlight their commitment to excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your strategic leadership and operational oversight abilities. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams, improved processes, or driven efficiency in a similar environment. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills at GDST.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the school's future plans, challenges they face, and how the Head of Operations role fits into their overall strategy. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to facilities management, health & safety, or team dynamics. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and your approach to problem-solving, ensuring you align your answers with the school's values and operational goals.
