Director of Operations

• Lead across all regions, ensuring effective delivery of organisational priorities, including occupancy, people, and financial performance
• Take overall accountability for regional operational performance, evaluating and overseeing the delivery of KPIs by Regional Directors, ensuring consistency across the group
• Champion operational excellence, ensuring services are aligned with the Horizon ethos and strategic direction
• Contribute to organisational strategy development and execution, supporting growth and commercial success
• Work in partnership with functional leaders to ensure educational quality is supported through strong operational infrastructure
• Act as an advisor to the Managing Director on operational performance, risk, and regulatory readiness
• Drive a culture of high performance and accountability
• Plan, implement, and evaluate operational strategies
• Ensure the organisation is well-positioned for inspections and regulatory scrutiny
• Maintain strategic oversight of the operational conditions that enable high-quality education and strong pupil outcomes
• Support the Director of Learning & Outcomes to ensure educational quality frameworks and outcomes are operationally embedded and resourced
• Work with Regional Directors to ensure the effective delivery of school improvement priorities
• Champion Horizon Care & Education's values, vision, and culture across all regions
• Lead, develop, and hold Regional Directors accountable for their performance
• Build a cohesive and high-performing leadership team
• Establish effective mechanisms for communication, collaboration, and shared learning
• Build strong partnerships with Local Authorities, regulators, and other stakeholders
• Ensure robust governance and accountability frameworks are in place
• Work with the senior leadership team to secure resources, plan capacity, and support individual schools in achieving objectives

• Significant leadership experience in education provision with a proven track record of improving outcomes
• Strong change management skills at a senior level
• Expertise in managing budgets, people, and operations effectively
• Knowledge of Ofsted regulations for Independent Schools and Independent School Standards
• Experience working with or understanding the key stakeholders in education and the operational and political contexts
• Degree or equivalent qualification (Qualified Teacher Status preferred)
• Full UK Driving Licence and use of your own vehicle

Post-graduate degree or relevant training