At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations at a special school, ensuring effective support services and compliance.
- Company: Forest Bridge School, a renowned institution for children with autism in Maidenhead.
- Benefits: Join a mission-driven team focused on transformational outcomes for young people.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to safeguarding and inclusive recruitment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, finance, or operations with strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Forest Bridge School, a highly regarded special free school in Maidenhead, Berkshire, for children and young people with a primary diagnosis of autism, is seeking a Head of Operations. The school delivers an integrated approach that combines ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), evidence-based therapy, and tailored curriculum pathways to maximise pupil outcomes and preparation for adult life. The school’s motto is “Through Adversity to the Stars” and is recognised for innovation, high expectations, and transformational outcomes for children and young people with autism.
The Head of Operations provides senior operational leadership, oversight and assurance across the school’s support services, ensuring that operational HR, finance processes, Site, ICT, Health & Safety, data protection, and compliance arrangements function effectively and lawfully. The role is focused on implementation, oversight, consistency, quality assurance and risk management, with responsibility for day-to-day operational activity delegated to the Operations Lead.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate fully as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the effective leadership and management of the school
- Provide professional operational advice and assurance to the Headteacher and SLT
- Work with the CEO, Headteacher, and Head of People Strategy and Finance to support budget monitoring and financial planning
- Provide oversight of day-to-day financial processes, ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures
- Provide senior leadership, line management and performance oversight of the Operations Lead
- Lead on Health & Safety alongside the Headteacher and Site Manager
- Provide oversight of ICT infrastructure and support services
- Act as the school’s Data Protection Officer
- Work closely with the Headteacher and Head of People Strategy and Finance to ensure operational HR practices reflect the school’s ethos, policies and workforce requirements
We are looking for a candidate who has:
- Essential Relevant professional qualification or demonstrable expertise in one or more areas: HR, Finance, Business Management, Operations, or Public Sector Management
- Strong working knowledge of financial procedures, controls and budget monitoring
- Strong working knowledge of operational HR practices
- Experience of leading and managing multi-disciplinary support services (e.g. finance, site management, HR, ICT, administration)
- Experience of line management and developing others
- Experience of working at a strategic or senior leadership level, contributing to organisational planning and improvement
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to set direction and hold others to account
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including report writing for senior leaders and governors
Desirable
- Experience supporting financial audits (internal or external)
- Experience using school MIS, HR or finance systems
- Strong working knowledge of School Business Management or equivalent (e.g. SBM, MBA, NPQEL/NPQSL)
- Data analysis skills to support operational reporting
- Experience of Site projects
- Experience acting as (or supporting) a Data Protection Officer
Applications close on Wednesday 24th of June, with interviews being held on Wednesday 1st of July. Forest Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and comply with all safeguarding requirements. If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP! Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.
Head of Operations in Maidenhead employer: Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
Forest Bridge School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work environment in Maidenhead, Berkshire. With a strong commitment to professional development and a culture that values high expectations and transformational outcomes, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with autism. The school prioritises collaboration within its Senior Leadership Team, ensuring that operational excellence is achieved while fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Contact Details:
Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Maidenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with special needs. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Forest Bridge School thoroughly. Understand their ethos and how they implement ABA and other therapies. This will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects. Highlight your experience in HR, finance, and operations to demonstrate you're the right fit for the Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the School's Ethos:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand Forest Bridge School's motto and values. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission of supporting children with autism. Make sure to weave this understanding into your application!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! We’re looking for specific skills in HR, finance, and operations. Highlight your relevant experience and qualifications that match the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Operations role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you an ideal candidate. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to feel your enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Head of Operations role. Brush up on your knowledge of HR, finance, and operational management, as well as the specific needs of a special school like Forest Bridge. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you understand the unique challenges they face.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed multi-disciplinary support services in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to line management and how you’ve developed others. This is crucial for a senior role, so make sure your stories highlight your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since strong communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss complex topics like financial procedures or compliance in a way that’s easy to understand. This will not only impress the interviewers but also reflect your ability to communicate with various stakeholders.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the school’s motto, 'Through Adversity to the Stars', and think about how your personal values align with their mission. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their innovative approach and high expectations for pupil outcomes. Showing that you resonate with their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.
