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- Tasks: Lead operational performance in education, driving excellence and growth across all regions.
- Company: Horizon Care & Education, a leader in care and educational services for young people.
- Benefits: Full-time, permanent role with opportunities for professional development and impactful work.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusivity and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people through high-quality education and care.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in education and strong change management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Nationwide
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Horizon Care & Education
Horizon Care & Education is a leading provider of care and educational services, committed to ensuring that all young people receive the highest standards of support and education. We believe in fostering a caring, inclusive environment that respects individual differences and promotes personal growth. Our mission is to provide transformative, high-quality education and care that empowers young people to achieve their fullest potential.
Purpose of the Role
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Degree or equivalent qualification (Qualified Teacher Status preferred).
- Post-graduate degree or relevant training (Desirable).
- Full UK Driving Licence and use of your own vehicle.
Equal Opportunities
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 in England 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 in England
✨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 job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Horizon Care & Education thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and improved outcomes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the Director of Operations position.
✨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 Horizon Care & Education and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations - Education in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Operations role. Highlight your leadership experience in education and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive operational excellence.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for high-quality education and care shine through in your written application. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that illustrate your commitment to empowering young people and fostering a caring environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, ensuring that your key messages about your qualifications and vision for the role come across effectively.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Horizon Care & Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Horizon Care & Education's mission and values. Understand their commitment to high-quality education and care, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Director of Operations, you'll need to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven operational performance and improved outcomes in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your change management skills and how you've successfully led teams through transitions.
✨Be Data-Driven
Horizon is focused on KPIs and operational excellence, so come prepared with data that showcases your past successes. Whether it's improving occupancy rates or managing budgets effectively, having concrete numbers will strengthen your case and show that you can deliver results.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about their current challenges in operational performance or how they measure success in educational outcomes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.