This is a senior and pivotal role within First Federation Trust's executive leadership team. The Director of Operations will shape and drive the strategic and operational delivery of key support services, ensuring that non-academic functions enable schools to deliver the best outcomes for pupils. The role spans leadership of estates, HR, IT, procurement, and compliance functions, working collaboratively with colleagues across schools and the central team.
The postholder will be a trusted advisor to the CEO and will lead the development of systems, structures, and services that are efficient, resilient, and aligned to our values. The role requires a leader who can operate with both strategic foresight and operational rigour, bringing together people and processes to support sustainable improvement across the Trust.
About the successful candidate
You will be an experienced operational leader with a strong track record of working across complex organisations, ideally with experience in the education or wider public sector. You will bring a deep understanding of compliance, risk, and resource management, alongside the ability to lead teams, manage change, and think strategically.
You will be values-driven, emotionally intelligent, and thrive on working collaboratively with others to get the best outcomes. We are looking for someone who can communicate with clarity and integrity, balance vision with detail, and ensure that operational excellence underpins all that we do. Most importantly, you will care deeply about improving outcomes for children and recognise the importance of getting the operational foundation right to enable this.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic and Organisational Leadership
· Act as advisor to the CEO and Trust Board on operational matters including estates, IT, HR, procurement, data protection, compliance, and business continuity.
· Develop and lead an ambitious operational strategy aligned to Trust priorities, with clear KPIs and monitoring processes.
· Line manage Heads of HR, Procurement and Resources, Estates, fostering a culture of high performance, integrity, and collaboration.
· Represent the operational function in Trust-wide strategic planning, inspection preparation, and due diligence for growth opportunities.
· Lead change programmes across the operational domains with pace and precision.
2. Operational Excellence and Compliance
· Ensure the smooth and compliant running of all central and school-facing operational services.
· Oversee statutory and regulatory compliance across areas such as H&S, infrastructure, procurement, and HR.
· Work with school leaders and central colleagues to streamline systems, processes, and resource deployment for maximum efficiency.
· Lead on risk management frameworks, reporting regularly to the CEO and Trust Board on mitigations and assurances.
· Ensure robust disaster recovery and business continuity planning across the Trust.
3. Estates, Health and Safety, and IT
· Oversee the strategic management of Trust estates, including asset planning, Planned Preventative Maintenance schedules, capital projects, and compliance audits.
· Ensure a consistent and proactive approach to health and safety, including training, incident reporting, and risk assessments.
· Lead the development of a coherent IT infrastructure strategy, focused on equitable access, data security, and long-term investment planning.
4. People and Culture (HR and Workforce)
· Work with the Head of HR to deliver an effective and compliant HR service, supporting staff wellbeing, safer recruitment, performance management and policy compliance.
· Support workforce planning and modelling, aligned to Trust development and school needs.
· Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across all operational practices and policies.
5. Procurement, Contracts and Resources
· Develop and implement an effective procurement strategy, ensuring value for money, contract compliance, and risk management.
· Be responsible for procuring and managing the Trust's Insurance arrangements
· Support the Trust's sustainability goals through efficient resource planning and supplier engagement.
6. Relationship Management and Trust Culture
· Build strong relationships with Headteachers, central team colleagues, and external partners.
· Work closely with the Relationship Manager to ensure school-facing operational support is responsive, consistent, and well-regarded.
· Model and champion the Trust's values of inclusion, integrity, and aspiration in all operational work.
Generic Responsibilities
· Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding, data protection, H&S, and equality.
· Participate in professional learning and maintain personal CPD relevant to the role.
· Undertake other responsibilities reasonably commensurate with the level and nature of the post, as directed by the CEO.
Next Steps
If you have any queries about this role, please get in touch by emailing our CEO, Paul Walker on
to arrange a time for a discussion.
Closing Date: Wednesday 24
th
September, noon
Interview Dates: Tuesday 30
th
September 2025
Anticipated start date: Monday 1
st
December 2025
Please apply by completing the application form and attaching a supporting statement (3 side A4 maximum, font 12). In the supporting statement please describe how you will fulfil the job description, how you meet the person specification and finally, share you vision for this role.