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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations, ensuring high standards in hospitality and events at Emerson College.
- Company: Join Emerson College, a pioneering institution with a rich history in education and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a values-driven organisation.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping non-educational services while supporting educational goals.
- Qualifications: Senior operational management experience and strong leadership skills 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 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
✨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 letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Head of Operations role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Emerson College thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in leading their non-educational services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you’ve successfully managed teams or improved operations. Be ready to share how you can bring that experience to Emerson College and enhance their hospitality and customer-facing services.
✨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 Emerson College team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations
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. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t shy away from sharing examples of your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can lead with clarity and warmth, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the Emerson College team!
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. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you've successfully led teams in similar settings.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since budget management and financial oversight are key aspects of this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial planning and management. Bring specific examples of how you've balanced commercial delivery with organisational values in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.