Head of Operations in Thatcham

A leading special free school in Maidenhead, Berkshire, which caters to 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 Role

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.

Essential qualifications

• 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 qualifications

• 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.

The 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. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.