Director of Operations

Operations Director – Education Federation (London)

Hackney | Up to £80,000 | Start: September 2026

We are supporting a well-established primary school federation in London to appoint an Operations Director to a newly elevated, strategically important role.

Working closely with the Executive Headteacher, this position provides leadership across HR, operations and support services for a group of four schools, serving over 1,600 pupils and employing 250+ staff.

The brief is broad. The successful candidate will take ownership of operational strategy and delivery across multiple sites, ensuring consistency, efficiency and high standards, while also contributing at a senior level to organisational planning and development.

Key areas of responsibility

• Leading HR strategy and overseeing all aspects of people management
• Managing operational services across sites (premises, administration, catering and ICT)
• Overseeing procurement and contract management
• Driving improvements in systems, processes and ways of working
• Supporting senior leaders and governors with strategic planning

This role would suit an experienced operational leader with a strong grounding in HR, used to working across complex or multi-site environments. Candidates may come from education, the public sector or a commercial setting, provided they can demonstrate transferable experience and sound judgement.

Strong interpersonal skills, credibility with senior stakeholders and a practical, solutions-focused approach are essential.

The role is primarily site-based across the federation’s schools in Hackney, with some flexibility where appropriate.

For further information or a confidential discussion, please get in touch directly.

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