Location: Nationwide
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Horizon Care & Education
Horizon Care & Education is a leading provider of care and educational services, committed to ensuring that all young people receive the highest standards of support and education. We believe in fostering a caring, inclusive environment that respects individual differences and promotes personal growth. Our mission is to provide transformative, high-quality education and care that empowers young people to achieve their fullest potential.
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Operations to lead the operational performance across all regions within the Education division at Horizon. This role will drive high performance, consistency, and sustainable growth while overseeing the operational delivery of key functions, including occupancy, workforce, and financial performance.
Working closely with the Director of Learning & Outcomes, the Director of Operations will ensure the effective implementation of educational strategies, foster strong operational practices, and provide decisive leadership in operational excellence. You will be a key member of the senior leadership team, driving organisational strategy, governance, and accountability to ensure consistently high-quality outcomes for all young people under our care.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Performance
- 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.
Operational Strategy & Performance
- Drive a culture of high performance and accountability, ensuring systems are in place to monitor and improve occupancy, workforce stability, and financial outcomes.
- Plan, implement, and evaluate operational strategies, ensuring resources are effectively deployed to meet current and future growth.
- Ensure the organisation is well-positioned for inspections and regulatory scrutiny, partnering with the Director of Learning & Outcomes on educational quality frameworks.
Educational Quality & Outcomes
- 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 and ensure strong operational follow-through.
Leadership & Organisational Development
- Champion Horizon Care & Education's values, vision, and culture across all regions.
- Lead, develop, and hold Regional Directors accountable for their performance while coaching and supporting their leadership growth.
- Build a cohesive and high-performing leadership team through collaboration with senior leaders across the organisation.
- Establish effective mechanisms for communication, collaboration, and shared learning.
External Partnerships & Governance
- Build strong partnerships with Local Authorities, regulators, and other stakeholders to support growth and reputation.
- Ensure robust governance and accountability frameworks are in place, working closely with the Director of Learning & Outcomes to ensure quality frameworks are operationalised across all regions.
- Work with the senior leadership team to secure resources, plan capacity, and support individual schools in achieving objectives.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
- 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.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification (Qualified Teacher Status preferred).
- Post-graduate degree or relevant training (Desirable).
- Full UK Driving Licence and use of your own vehicle.
Equal Opportunities
Horizon Care & Education is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all young people and colleagues. We challenge any behaviour or practice that discriminates on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about delivering high-quality education and care, with a track record of leading operational excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your application via our website by Monday 18th May. To find out more about the role please contact dave.gilchrist@horizoncare.co.uk
We look forward to receiving your application.