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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and manage operations across four schools in Hackney.
- Company: Established primary school federation with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education by enhancing operational efficiency and support services.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations and HR, with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with flexibility and the chance to shape educational outcomes.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are supporting a well-established primary school federation in London to appoint an Operations Director to a newly elevated, strategically important role. Working closely with the Executive Headteacher, this position provides leadership across HR, operations and support services for a group of four schools, serving over 1,600 pupils and employing 250+ staff.
The brief is broad. The successful candidate will take ownership of operational strategy and delivery across multiple sites, ensuring consistency, efficiency and high standards, while also contributing at a senior level to organisational planning and development.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Leading HR strategy and overseeing all aspects of people management
- Managing operational services across sites (premises, administration, catering and ICT)
- Overseeing procurement and contract management
- Driving improvements in systems, processes and ways of working
- Supporting senior leaders and governors with strategic planning
This role would suit an experienced operational leader with a strong grounding in HR, used to working across complex or multi-site environments. Candidates may come from education, the public sector or a commercial setting, provided they can demonstrate transferable experience and sound judgement. Strong interpersonal skills, credibility with senior stakeholders and a practical, solutions-focused approach are essential.
The role is primarily site-based across the federation’s schools in Hackney, with some flexibility where appropriate.
For further information or a confidential discussion, please get in touch directly.
Director of Operations in London employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or related fields. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the federation's values and recent initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role but also genuinely care about their mission and how we can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those around leadership and operational strategy. We need to demonstrate our experience and how it aligns with their needs, so let’s be ready to share specific examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after the interview with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows our appreciation and keeps us on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate our enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Operations Director role. Highlight your leadership in HR and operational strategy, as these are key areas for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in systems and processes in previous positions.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills: Since strong interpersonal skills are essential, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with senior stakeholders. We want to see your ability to build credibility and work effectively across teams.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the operations of the schools in the federation. Understand their current HR strategies, operational services, and any recent changes or challenges they've faced. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in managing teams across multiple sites. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led HR initiatives or operational improvements in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the broad responsibilities of the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges or strategic planning scenarios. Think through potential situations related to HR management or procurement processes, and outline your thought process and solutions clearly.
✨Engage with Senior Stakeholder Dynamics
Since strong interpersonal skills are crucial, be ready to discuss how you've built credibility with senior stakeholders in the past. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to communicate effectively and foster collaboration among diverse teams.