Interim Head of Business & OperationsSpecialist SEND School | Haringey | October – December 2026 | Full-Time
Tara Professional Recruitment are supporting a specialist SEND school in Haringey with the appointment of an experienced Interim Head of Business & Operations for a fixed-term assignment from October to December 2026.
This is a senior operational position for an individual with a strong background across finance, facilities/estates and HR. A SEND or education background is not essential — the priority is finding an experienced operations professional who can confidently take ownership of the school's business and operational functions.
The Role
The Interim Head of Business & Operations will provide senior oversight across the school's key operational areas, ensuring the organisation continues to run effectively throughout the interim period.
Responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the management and oversight of financial budgets
- Monitoring expenditure and supporting effective financial planning
- Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organisation
- Providing leadership and oversight across operational teams
- Supporting senior leadership with complex HR cases
- Sitting in on HR meetings and providing appropriate operational oversight
- Overseeing the facilities and estates function
- Managing and supporting the facilities/estates team
- Ensuring the building and site remain safe, functional and well maintained
- Overseeing maintenance, contractors and building-related requirements
- Identifying and resolving operational issues
- Ensuring effective communication across business, HR, facilities and operational teams
- Providing confident leadership and decision-making across the organisation
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a strong operations professional who can step into a senior position and quickly take ownership of multiple business functions.
You may currently be working as a:
- Head of Business & Operations
- Head of Operations
- Operations Director / Senior Operations Manager
- School Business Manager
- Business Manager
- Facilities/Estates Manager with wider operational responsibility
- Senior Business & Administration Manager
SEND experience is not required. Candidates from education, healthcare, charities, commercial organisations, professional services or other complex operational environments will all be considered.
What matters is demonstrable experience across operations, finance, facilities/estates and HR.
You will need:
- Strong operational leadership experience
- Experience managing or overseeing financial budgets
- Strong facilities, estates or building management experience
- Experience overseeing teams
- Confidence supporting complex HR matters
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills
- The ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions
- A calm, professional and pragmatic approach
- The ability to quickly understand existing systems and take responsibility
Working Hours
Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
This is a fully on-site position in Haringey, with the successful candidate expected to be present on site throughout the working week.
Recruitment & Placement Process
The appointment will follow a structured recruitment process:
1. Formal Interview
Shortlisted candidates will attend a formal interview.
2. Set Task Assignment
Candidates progressing through the interview stage will complete a set task designed to assess their suitability for the role.
3. Start Date
Subject to successfully completing the recruitment process and full vetting checks, the successful candidate will agree a start date with the school.
Contract Details
Position: Interim Head of Business & Operations
Location: Haringey, North London
Contract: Interim / Fixed Term
Duration: October – December 2026
Hours: 7:30am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday
Working Arrangement: Fully on-site
SEND Experience: Not required
Start: October 2026, subject to full vetting
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Head of Business & Operations or senior Operations professional to take on a varied interim leadership position with responsibility across finance, HR, facilities, estates and day-to-day operations.
If you have the operational experience to step into a senior position and make an immediate impact, Tara Professional Recruitment would love to hear from you.
Click Apply today or contact Tara Professional Recruitment for further information
Interim Head of Business & Operations (SEND School) in London employer: Tara Professional Recruitment (London) Limited Careers
Join a welcoming and inclusive primary school in South East London, where you will be part of a dedicated team committed to nurturing the emotional and educational needs of pupils with SEMH challenges. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive work culture, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying competitive pay and the potential for permanent placement. Experience a collaborative environment that values patience, resilience, and emotional intelligence, ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Tara Professional Recruitment (London) Limited Careers Recruitment Team
