Operations Manager

Operations Lead  - Education Division based across England and Wales LA2 CF15 CA1 RH14

About The Role of Operations Lead

We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Operations Lead to join our Education Division and play a pivotal role in supporting our portfolio of specialist college sites. Lancaster, Blackpool, South Lake, Carlisle , Billingshurst and Cardiff. The position requires regular travel across these education services

This is a high-impact leadership role where you will work in partnership with Headteachers, Principals and central support teams to drive operational excellence, improve performance and ensure our schools deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people.

As Operations Lead, you will provide strategic and operational support across multiple sites, helping schools maintain the highest standards of quality, compliance, workforce performance and financial sustainability. You will be instrumental in ensuring our schools are inspection-ready, operating efficiently and equipped to achieve their full potential.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy building strong relationships and are passionate about improving educational services, we'd love to hear from you.

What our Operations Lead will Be Doing

Leading Operational Excellence

Partner with Headteachers and Principals to support the effective day-to-day operation of schools.

Drive consistency in systems, processes and operational standards across multiple sites.

Monitor performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Support schools through periods of growth, change and development.

Provide operational leadership during inspections, audits and regulatory visits.

Identify and mitigate operational risks, implementing practical solutions to support success.

Supporting Workforce Performance

Work closely with school leaders and HR teams to strengthen workforce stability and performance.

Monitor recruitment, retention and agency usage trends.

Support workforce planning, organisational reviews and change programmes.

Ensure compliance with supervision, appraisal and mandatory training requirements.

Promote employee wellbeing and engagement initiatives.

Support the implementation of HR policies and best practice across the division.

Driving Performance and Improvement

Develop and maintain performance reporting systems and dashboards.

Analyse key trends and provide recommendations for improvement.

Monitor divisional metrics including

Occupancy Attendance Safeguarding Behaviour Complaints Recruitment and retention Staff turnover Training compliance Budget performance School improvement actions

Produce reports and insights for senior leadership meetings and business reviews.

Ensuring Quality and Compliance

Support schools to maintain compliance with Independent School Standards, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding legislation.

Coordinate compliance audits and improvement plans.

Monitor completion of actions arising from inspections and internal reviews.

Ensure schools maintain robust evidence and remain inspection ready.

Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Leading Projects and Change

Lead operational projects across the Education Division.

Support the mobilisation of new services and expansion initiatives.

Coordinate the implementation of organisational systems and improvement programmes.

Monitor delivery against project plans and key milestones.

Escalate risks and barriers appropriately to ensure successful outcomes.

Supporting Financial Performance

Work with school leaders to monitor budgets and resource utilisation.

Support occupancy growth and referral activity.

Identify opportunities for greater efficiency and improved financial performance.

Contribute to forecasting, planning and business review activities.

Building Strong Relationships

You'll work collaboratively with:

Headteachers and Principals

Education Leadership Teams

HR and People Teams

Finance Teams

Quality and Compliance Teams

Business Development Teams

External partners and agencies

You'll play a crucial role in strengthening communication, collaboration and operational effectiveness across our school portfolio.

Operations Lead Requirements

Essential Skills & Experience

Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.

GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above).

Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience working across multiple sites and diverse stakeholders.

Experience supporting leaders within regulated environments.

Strong understanding of quality assurance, compliance and performance improvement.

Experience analysing management information and performance data.

Proven project management and change implementation experience.

Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.

Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to work independently across geographically dispersed locations.

Knowledge

Independent School Standards.

Ofsted/Estyn inspection frameworks.

Safeguarding requirements within education.

Workforce planning and HR processes.

Health and Safety compliance.

Data protection and GDPR requirements.

Desirable

PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification.

Salary for Operations Lead 

£65,000 plus performance bonus.

For more information on the role of Operations Lead Education Division Contact Mick Hull  Fieldview Care Recruitment Solutions