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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations and ensure high standards in hospitality and events.
- Company: Join Emerson College, a pioneering educational institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to innovate and drive business in a values-led organisation.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping operational excellence and enhancing educational experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operational management and customer-facing services required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 53830 £ per year.
Salary: £51,750 - £53,830
40 Hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Join Our Team in a Newly Created Senior Leadership Role!
Emerson College has a successful history in providing a range of courses from Rudolf Steiner education, medical insights and the arts. There are over sixty beds onsite as well as meeting rooms, workshop spaces, dining area, a café and beautiful grounds. In addition to providing high quality courses and workshops, Emerson College promotes venue hire and private functions.
Emerson College is looking for a dynamic senior leader to hold the newly established role of Head of Operations who will provide day-to-day operational leadership for Emerson College’s non-educational services, ensuring the site operates effectively, safely and professionally. The role oversees hospitality, facilities, catering, events and customer-facing services, embedding high standards, financial sustainability and alignment with the College’s values and strategic direction.
By holding operational oversight, the Head of Operations enables the Executive Principal to focus on strategic leadership across the College’s four pillars: Health, Education, Arts and Land.
In this role you will:
- Role-model leadership in management of Emerson College’s non-educational services – including events, hospitality, catering, reception, bookings and visitor services.
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the non-educational services at Emerson College site, ensuring smooth and effective functioning that supports and enhances the educational, cultural and commercial aims of the College.
- Ensure that operational activity supports income generation while maintaining high and professional standards of service, hospitality, food and quality.
- Act as the senior operational presence within the site for non-educational services, supporting clarity, accountability and effective decision-making under the strategic direction of the Executive Principal.
To be successful in the role the post holder will have the following experience:
- Senior operational management experience in a complex and similar organisation.
- Experience of working in a purpose-led, educational or values-based organisation, with the ability to align operational delivery to a wider strategic and educational purpose.
- Experience in managing customer facing services, ideally in the hospitality sector and/or income-generating activities.
- Proven experience in line managing multiple service areas and teams.
- Proven experience of budget management and financial oversight.
The following knowledge and skills are desired:
- Strong operational leadership and organisational skills.
- Strong commercial acumen and financial understanding and proficiency in hotel/venue management software.
- Ability to balance commercial delivery with educational priorities, organisational values and mission-led decision-making.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver consistent standards.
- Ability to lead teams with clarity, warmth and accountability.
- Confidence working collaboratively with senior leaders.
- Strong problem solving and decision-making ability.
This is an exciting time to join the Emerson College team in this new leadership role and will provide the opportunity to work in an innovative and pioneering way to drive business with the wider team.
Emerson College has recently joined Ruskin Mill Land Trust which is a sister charity to Ruskin Mill Trust Ltd drawing their inspiration from common insights – Ruskin, Morris and Steiner. RMT (and its subsidiaries) operates a number of schools, colleges and provisions around the country, utilising practical land and craft activities to support the development of work and life skills in young people with autistic spectrum conditions and other learning differences.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.
Head of Operations in Forest Row employer: Ruskin Mill Trust
Contact Detail:
Ruskin Mill Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in Forest Row
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and hospitality sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Emerson College’s values and mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and operations in the past. We love hearing about your problem-solving abilities and how you’ve balanced commercial success with educational priorities.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the Emerson College team. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in Forest Row
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in operational management and how it aligns with Emerson College's values and mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and operations in previous roles, especially in hospitality or educational settings.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Head of Operations position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Emerson College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ruskin Mill Trust
✨Know the College Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Emerson College thoroughly. Understand its values, mission, and the specific services it offers. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Operations, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing teams and how you foster a positive work environment. Share specific examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in hospitality or customer-facing roles.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since budget management and financial oversight are key aspects of this role, come ready to discuss your experience with financial planning and management. Bring examples of how you've successfully balanced operational needs with financial sustainability in previous positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you resolved them. This will help you illustrate your capability to manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards.