Head of School Business Operations

Job Purpose:

To lead and supervise school business support operations.

Key Result Areas:

Financial Management & Strategic Planning:

• Oversee the preparation and management of the school's budget.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the School Director and Board.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures and legal and regulatory requirements.
• Manage payroll, accounts payable, student billing, collection, and receivable functions.
• Develop, design, and establish school financial strategy in collaboration with Head of School.
• Develop and implement internal financial, accounting, operations and inventory policies and procedures; ensure compliance with local financial regulations.
• Ensure the maintenance of financial and accounting system; produce periodical financial statements including but exclusive of balance sheets, cash flow reports, profit/loss statement, etc.
• Manage the cash flow and prepare cash flow forecasts.
• Prepare all supporting information for the annual audit and liaise with auditors as necessary.
• Effectively communicate critical financial matters to Head of School.
• Effectively manage a team in finance, finance coordinator and finance support officer.
• Work with the School Director and Board of Management to develop and implement long-term strategic plans.
• Analyze and report on key performance indicators to inform strategic decision-making.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in business support functions.
• Prepare Board presentations when required and attend Board meetings when invited.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the school's assets and reputation.

School Operational Oversight:

• Line Manager to Admissions, Procurement, HR, Facilities, Health and Safety, Marketing, IT supports, school life, and MOEHE coordination functions.
• Coordinate and supervise administrative and support staff to ensure effective school operations.
• Oversee the maintenance and management of school facilities and resources.
• Manage procurement and contract negotiations with vendors and service providers.
• Health and Safety – Ensure policies and processes are in place, mitigating risks to provide a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to protect the school's assets and reputation.
• Oversee health and safety protocols and emergency preparedness plans.
• Marketing – With the Head of School, and marketing team, identify short- and long-term marketing strategies.
• School Life – Ensure that the highest quality of customer care is provided.
• IT – Develop a strategy for a quality educational IT infrastructure in accordance with the needs of the school.
• Ensure all teams maintain effective communication between all departments and academic teams.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required and that fall within the scope and range of the job.
• Other reasonable tasks as assigned by head of the school.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• 8 years of relevant experience in a similar role, at least 4 of which in a supervisory role specific to experience leadership overseeing of large teams across several departments.
• Proven experience in a senior business management role, preferably within an educational or non-profit environment.
• Fluent in English and desirable proficiency in Arabic.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the school.
• Excellent leadership, motivational, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication skills.