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- Tasks: Lead operational performance in education, driving excellence and growth across all regions.
- Company: Horizon Care & Education, committed to high-quality outcomes for young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to equal opportunities and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational quality and outcomes for young people.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in education and strong change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Operations to lead the operational performance across all regions within the Education division at Horizon. This role will drive high performance, consistency, and sustainable growth while overseeing the operational delivery of key functions, including occupancy, workforce, and financial performance. Working closely with the Director of Learning & Outcomes, the Director of Operations will ensure the effective implementation of educational strategies, foster strong operational practices, and provide decisive leadership in operational excellence. You will be a key member of the senior leadership team, driving organisational strategy, governance, and accountability to ensure consistently high-quality outcomes for all young people under our care.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership & Performance: Lead across all regions, ensuring effective delivery of organisational priorities, including occupancy, people, and financial performance. Take overall accountability for regional operational performance, evaluating and overseeing the delivery of KPIs by Regional Directors, ensuring consistency across the group. Champion operational excellence, ensuring services are aligned with the Horizon ethos and strategic direction. Contribute to organisational strategy development and execution, supporting growth and commercial success. Work in partnership with functional leaders to ensure educational quality is supported through strong operational infrastructure. Act as an advisor to the Managing Director on operational performance, risk, and regulatory readiness. Drive a culture of high performance and accountability, ensuring systems are in place to monitor and improve occupancy, workforce stability, and financial outcomes. Plan, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, ensuring resources are effectively deployed to meet current and future growth. Ensure the organisation is well-positioned for inspections and regulatory scrutiny, partnering with the Director of Learning & Outcomes on educational quality frameworks.
- Educational Quality & Outcomes: Maintain strategic oversight of the operational conditions that enable high-quality education and strong pupil outcomes. Support the Director of Learning & Outcomes to ensure educational quality frameworks and outcomes are operationally embedded and resourced. Work with Regional Directors to ensure the effective delivery of school improvement priorities and ensure strong operational follow-through.
- Leadership & Organisational Development: Champion Horizon Care & Education's values, vision, and culture across all regions. Lead, develop, and hold Regional Directors accountable for their performance while coaching and supporting their leadership growth. Build a cohesive and high-performing leadership team through collaboration with senior leaders across the organisation. Establish effective mechanisms for communication, collaboration, and shared learning.
- External Partnerships & Governance: Build strong partnerships with Local Authorities, regulators, and other stakeholders to support growth and reputation. Ensure robust governance and accountability frameworks are in place, working closely with the Director of Learning & Outcomes to ensure quality frameworks are operationalised across all regions. Work with the senior leadership team to secure resources, plan capacity, and support individual schools in achieving objectives.
Person Specification
- Knowledge & Experience: Significant leadership experience in education provision with a proven track record of improving outcomes. Strong change management skills at a senior level. Expertise in managing budgets, people, and operations effectively. Knowledge of Ofsted regulations for Independent Schools and Independent School Standards. Experience working with or understanding the key stakeholders in education and the operational and political contexts.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent qualification (Qualified Teacher Status preferred). Full UK Driving Licence and use of your own vehicle.
Horizon Care & Education is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all young people and colleagues. We challenge any behaviour or practice that discriminates on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
How to Apply: If you are passionate about delivering high-quality education and care, with a track record of leading operational excellence, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application via our website by Monday 18th May. To find out more about the role please contact dave.gilchrist@horizoncare.co.uk. We look forward to receiving your application.
Director of Operations - Education employer: Horizon Care & Education
Contact Detail:
Horizon Care & Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations - Education
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand Horizon's ethos, values, and recent developments in the education sector. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in driving operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance and improved outcomes in previous roles. Highlight your change management skills and how you've built strong teams to achieve organisational goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Horizon team and contributing to high-quality education and care.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations - Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and operational excellence shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at Horizon, so don’t hold back on sharing your passion!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in education and operations. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to drive performance, so be clear and concise.
Be Clear and Structured: Keep your application well-organised and easy to read. Use headings and bullet points where necessary to make it straightforward for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horizon Care & Education
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs). Brush up on the financial metrics and operational statistics relevant to the education sector. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive performance improvements in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about your approach to leading teams. Prepare examples that highlight how you've developed and held others accountable for their performance. Discuss how you foster a culture of high performance and collaboration within your teams.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Ofsted regulations and Independent School Standards. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated regulatory challenges in the past and how you would ensure compliance while driving operational excellence at Horizon.
✨Align with the Organisation's Vision
Horizon Care & Education has a clear ethos and vision. Research their values and be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs. Discuss how you can contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality education and care for young people.