Advert
The Director of Operations is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic and operational leadership across all non-curriculum functions of the organisation.
The postholder will ensure that systems, compliance, estates, data management, recruitment, administration and operational processes effectively support high-quality provision for learners with SEND. The role is central to organisational growth, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across multiple college sites.
The Director of Operations will work in alignment with regulatory bodies including Ofsted and the Department for Education, with regular travel across our 5 colleges and our central Westerham office.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Qualitifcations
Essential
1. Degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Business Management, Public Administration, Education Management).
2. Evidence of continued professional development.
Desirable
3. Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA or Master’s in Leadership/Management).
4. Leadership or management qualification (e.g., ILM Level 7).
Experience
Essential
5. Senior management experience in operations, estates, facilities, or business services.
6. Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams (e.g., estates, IT, health & safety, facilities, administration).
7. Experience managing budgets and financial resources.
8. Experience developing and implementing organisational strategies and operational plans.
9. Experience of working within a complex organisation with multiple stakeholders.
Desirable
10. Experience working within Further Education, SEND or public sector.
11. Experience leading organisational change or transformation programmes.
12. Experience of capital projects, estates strategy, or infrastructure development.
Knowledge
Essential
13. Strong understanding of operational management, governance, and compliance
14. Knowledge of health and safety regulations, risk management, and statutory compliance.
15. Understanding of procurement, contract management, and resource management.
16. Knowledge of performance management and continuous improvement methodologies.
Desirable
17. Knowledge of the FE and SEND sector, including funding, regulation, and inspection frameworks such as those used by Ofsted.
Knowledge of sustainability and estates management in education settings.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
18. Strategic thinking and the ability to translate strategy into operational delivery.
19. Strong leadership and people management skills.
20. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
21. Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
22. Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
23. High level of financial and commercial awareness.
Desirable
24. Project management skills and experience with large-scale operational initiatives.
25. Digital transformation or systems implementation experience.
Personable Attributes
Essential
26. Strong leadership presence and credibility.
27. Collaborative and inclusive approach to working with colleagues.
28. High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
29. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students.