Executive Director - Operations

The Executive Director - Operations (EDO) will play a crucial role in the management and strategic growth of HISP which encompasses six, soon to be eight, schools. The EDO will ensure optimal operational functionality across the Trust's digital and technology, estates, health and safety and communications functions, driving efficiency and effective management to support educational excellence. This role will also be pivotal in the Trust's expansion strategy, particularly in integrating new schools operationally. The role will lead three departments, Digital, Marketing and Estates, with a small direct team with a wider dotted line management across the various schools, as well as managing external PR consultancy support when required., This role has considerable breadth and depth. Responsibilities can be split into 6 key areas:

1. Operational Leadership and Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operational procedures of the Trust, ensuring all direct report functions meet their short-term and long-term objectives.


• Develop and implement operational systems, processes, and policies to support organizational effectiveness.


• Monitor operational performance by gathering relevant data and producing detailed regular reports for the CEO, Board of Trustees and school/unit leaders.


• Implement quality assurance measures across all operational facets of the Trust to maintain high standards of service.


• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the Trust.


• Liaise with educational leaders to align operational strategies with educational goals.


• Ensure compliance with educational regulations and standards across all operations.


• Manage and optimize supplier relationships and contracts for operational services.


• Oversee risk management and emergency preparedness planning across the Trust.


2. Strategic Digital and Technology Oversight:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive an integrated digital, technology and systems strategy that supports the Trust's educational objectives and operational needs.


• Lead cybersecurity initiatives, establishing robust protocols to safeguard sensitive information and digital assets.


• Ensure effective management of IT infrastructure, with an emphasis on scalability and sustainability.


• Promote the integration of innovative digital teaching tools and technologies to enhance learning environments.


• Manage budgets for IT and systems expenditures, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ROI on technology investments.


• Facilitate professional development for digital, tech and systems staff to keep pace with technological advancements.


• Coordinate with educational leaders to ensure digital, systems, technology alignment with pedagogical innovations.


• Regularly review and update the IT disaster recovery plan and business continuity strategies.


• Implement best practices for data management and governance across the Trust.


• Act as Data Protection Officer for the Trust.


3. Estates Management:

• Direct comprehensive management of all school facilities, ensuring they are safe, secure, and well-maintained.


• Develop and oversee a proactive maintenance schedule for all school buildings and grounds.


• Lead sustainability initiatives, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of school operations.


• Manage construction and renovation projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.


• Negotiate and manage contracts with external vendors and contractors for facilities management.


• Ensure all estate operations comply with health and safety regulations including leading and ensuring the effective operation of the health and safety committee.


• Plan and allocate space for teaching, extracurricular activities, and administrative services.


• Oversee energy management strategies to reduce costs and improve efficiency.


• Facilitate regular safety audits and emergency drills across all sites.


• Ensure appropriate update of the HISP Risk Register and management of the identified Operations risks and issues.


4. Communications and Public Relations:

• Develop a comprehensive communications strategy that enhances the Trust's visibility and public image.


• Oversee the management of crisis communications, ensuring rapid and accurate information dissemination during emergencies.


• Supervise the external PR team to ensure consistent, effective messaging across all platforms.


• Coordinate with school leaders to highlight educational achievements and initiatives through various media channels.


• Manage internal communications to enhance transparency and engagement among staff.


• Develop and monitor metrics to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.


• Provide strategic direction for the Trust's digital presence, including websites and social media platforms.


• Cultivate relationships with media to enhance positive coverage and manage public perception.


• Guide the narrative around educational trends and policy changes impacting the Trust.


5. Change Management and Organizational Development:

• Lead organizational change initiatives, ensuring they align with strategic goals and are implemented smoothly.


• Develop training programs and initiatives to enhance staff skills in relation to change and project management and promote a culture of learning and adaptability.


• Foster an environment of innovation, encouraging staff to develop new solutions for operational efficiency.


• Conduct organizational reviews to identify challenges and opportunities for improvement.


• Implement strategies to enhance inter-departmental collaboration and streamline workflows.


• Guide senior management in the adoption of change management best practices.


• Evaluate the impact of changes on staff and operations, adjusting as necessary.


• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders about changes and their rationale.


• Support teams through the transition processes associated with the Trust's growth and restructuring efforts.


6. Growth and Expansion:

• Co-lead the Trust's strategic planning for growth, focusing on the operational requirements for incorporating new schools to time and budget.


• Design and implement onboarding processes for new schools joining the Trust, ensuring a seamless integration.


• Coordinate with financial and academic planners to assess the viability of potential new schools.


• Lead due diligence processes to ensure new schools meet the Trust's standards before integration.


• Develop partnerships with other educational institutions and stakeholders to support growth objectives.


• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among existing and new schools.


• Ensure resources are adequately allocated to support expansion activities.


• Monitor and report on the progress of integration efforts to the CEO and Board.


• Provide leadership in navigating the regulatory landscape associated with expansion.
  
  Extensive experience in senior operational roles, preferably within the education sector or similar complex organizations.


• Proven track record in IT management (including cyber security), estates management, and strategic communications.


• Demonstrable experience in change management and organizational development.


• Experience in managing large teams and working collaboratively with senior executives.


• H&S leadership experience, Excellent leadership and people management skills including a coaching approach to leadership.


• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.


• High degree of professionalism and ethical standards.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and complex environment.


• Proven team player.


• Commitment to:

+ ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace
+ safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people

Other:

• Understanding of the critical importance of child protection and safeguarding


• Successful completion of DBS and all other pre-employment checks


• Own transport to travel.