Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise daily operations in a thriving independent school.
- Company: A prestigious independent school in North West London.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 30 days leave, pension scheme, free lunches, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping operational strategies and enhancing the school environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in estates, facilities, or operations management.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with autonomy to drive positive change.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 75000 £ per year.
A leading Independent School in North West London is looking for a Head of Operations to take ownership of how a busy, high-performing organisation runs day to day. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, you will ensure the operational engine of the school runs smoothly across estates, events, compliance and commercial lettings.
If you already manage estates, facilities or operations, this is a genuine step up in scope and influence. You will combine operational leadership, commercial responsibility and strategic oversight in a role that sits at the centre of the school. You will set standards, hold contractors to account and make clear decisions quickly, while remaining hands-on enough to step in when needed.
A large part of the role is the opportunity to develop commercial lettings. The school’s facilities attract strong demand and enquiries are occasionally turned away, but the commercial potential has not yet been fully realised. You will shape the strategy, improve utilisation and ensure events are delivered professionally while generating meaningful income.
Day to day, you will work closely with the premises teams, coordinate logistics for major school events and ensure the campus remains safe, compliant and presented to the highest standard. Health and safety, risk management and statutory compliance all sit within your remit. You will also support estates development and improvement projects that enhance the environment for staff and pupils.
The school educates over 900 pupils and operates from a position of real strength. It is thriving and oversubscribed, meaning this role focuses on developing and improving operations rather than fixing underlying problems.
You will work closely with a respected Director of Finance & Operations who values strong operational leadership and gives her team the autonomy to make things happen. When things run well, from major events to the presentation of the site, the impact of your work will be visible across the whole school community.
You will also benefit from 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure days, a pension scheme with up to 12% employer contribution, free lunch during term time, significant staff discount on school fees, and access to extensive training and development opportunities.
Interested? Apply below, or reach out to Tom Morrison from Sielo Search on LinkedIn or on 07537 162 323 for a confidential chat about the role. Don't worry if your CV isn't completely up to date. Send us what you have, and we can go from there.
Head of Operations in London employer: Sielo Search
Contact Detail:
Sielo Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at independent schools. A friendly chat can often lead to insider info that you won’t find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission. Plus, it gives you great talking points to impress during your chat!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for operations and how you can make a difference in our school.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in managing estates, facilities, or operations. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership, so showcase your leadership skills and any successful projects you've led.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; tell us about your achievements! Whether it’s improving compliance or enhancing event logistics, we want to know how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sielo Search
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research the school thoroughly. Understand its values, mission, and recent achievements. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
✨Demonstrate Operational Leadership
Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing operations. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led teams, improved processes, or implemented strategic changes. This is your chance to showcase how you can bring that expertise to the Head of Operations role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Since a significant part of the role involves developing commercial lettings, come ready with ideas on how to maximise the school's facilities. Think about potential partnerships, events, or marketing strategies that could enhance income generation and be ready to discuss them.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about their vision for the operational strategy, challenges they currently face, or how they measure success in this role. This shows you're thinking critically about how you can contribute.