Employer: Girls' Day School Trust (GDST). Job ID: 1542196. Start date: As soon as possible. Contract type: Permanent. Salary band: SLT1. Posted 26th March 2026. Expires 15th April 2026.
Job Overview
The Girls’ Day School Trust is seeking a Head of Operations (Cluster) to lead operations across a cluster of GDST schools in Sheffield, Norwich, Nottingham and Northampton. This senior role will work closely with the Director of Finance and Operations (Cluster), heads of schools and other senior colleagues to ensure operational services across the cluster are efficient, compliant and well‑led.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage operational services including estates, health and safety, ICT, administration, catering, cleaning and wider operational delivery.
* Drive long‑term planning, service improvement, risk management and sustainability initiatives.
* Deliver and oversee projects that support excellent educational environments for pupils and staff.
* Support income generation, non‑fee income opportunities and the successful delivery of building and operational projects across the cluster.
* Maintain strong relationships with senior leaders, school‑based teams, contractors and Trust Office colleagues.
Qualifications
* Substantial senior leadership experience across operations, estates, facilities or business management.
* Experience leading support services and improving operational effectiveness across complex environments.
* Strong financial and commercial awareness, with the ability to identify efficiencies and support value for money.
* Experience managing compliance, health and safety, risk and statutory responsibilities with rigour and confidence.
* Ability to lead projects, interpret data and translate insight into action.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and credibility to work effectively with senior leaders, school‑based teams, contractors and Trust Office colleagues.
* A collaborative and forward‑thinking approach, with a clear commitment to supporting girls’ education.
Why Join GDST
The GDST is a unique family of schools with a long history of excellence and innovation in girls’ education. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution across multiple schools and to work as part of a values‑led organisation with ambition for the future.
Safeguarding Statement
The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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