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- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and oversee daily operations at a top independent girls' school.
- Company: Join GDST, a prestigious 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 43200 - 72000 £ 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 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know someone at GDST. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want you to show how your vision aligns with their mission. Tailor your examples to highlight your strategic leadership skills and operational successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when discussing your experience in facilities management and strategic planning.
✨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 always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are ready to make an impact in the education sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in strategic leadership and operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role at South Hampstead High School!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven efficiency or improved service quality in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
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. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your strategic leadership and operational oversight abilities. Think about times when you've successfully managed teams, improved processes, or driven efficiency. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into success 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 you're not just interested in the position but also invested in the school's success.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Given the emphasis on problem-solving in the job description, be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and clearly illustrate your thought process and outcomes.
