Operations and Development Executive in Forest Row

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.