Operations Director – Alternative Provision
Location: Flexible but focus areas are Midlands and North East/West
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 + Annual Bonuses
Are you an ambitious operational leader ready to build something from the ground up?
We are launching a brand-new Alternative Provision venture with significant backing, an entrepreneurial leadership team, and an ambitious national growth strategy. This is a rare opportunity to become one of the founding senior leaders in a business designed to redefine outcomes for young people who need education delivered differently.
This is not a “steady-state” operations role. We are looking for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys creating systems from scratch, and wants genuine influence over the direction of a growing organisation.
The Opportunity
As Operations Director, you will play a critical role in shaping the operational foundations of the business during its launch and growth phase.
Working directly with the founding leadership team, you will oversee the setup, compliance, safeguarding, staffing structures, policies, and operational delivery across new AP centres as they are launched and scaled.
The business plans to establish multiple sites over the coming years, beginning with an initial rollout phase before accelerating into wider expansion. You will be instrumental in building the blueprint that supports that growth.
This is a highly visible leadership role with real autonomy, strategic input, and long-term progression potential.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Leading operational setup and day-to-day oversight across AP sites
* Creating and implementing policies, procedures, and operational frameworks
* Driving safeguarding, compliance, and quality assurance standards
* Designing staffing models, timetables, and operational processes
* Supporting the launch and stabilisation of new provisions
* Working closely with the leadership team on growth strategy and expansion
* Building a strong operational culture focused on outcomes and accountability
* Ensuring provisions are commercially sustainable while delivering exceptional support to young people
About You
We are looking for a commercially aware operational leader with experience in Alternative Provision or Specialist Education
You will bring:
* Strong operational and compliance expertise
* A deep understanding of safeguarding and education quality standards
* Experience opening, scaling, or improving AP education provisions
* Entrepreneurial energy
* The confidence to make decisions while collaborating closely with founders
* The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
Why Join?
* Founding leadership opportunity within a new venture
* Significant autonomy and influence
* Ambitious multi-site growth plans
* Backed by experienced operators with an established presence in the sector
* Opportunity to shape strategy from day one
* Strong long-term career trajectory as the business scales
* Competitive package with flexibility for exceptional candidates
Contact Details:
To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion please contact Jordanna Osborn at 02394211147 or
Compass Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £500 vouchers for each successful recommendation.