Operations Manager

About the Schools - Duncombe School, Hendon Prep School and Salcombe Prep School

Duncombe School is an Independent Day School and Pre-School, nestled in the beautiful town of Hertford, for children aged 2-11 years. As a school we pride ourselves in nurturing our children’s minds through an inspiring educational journey and we encourage every child to dream big! We believe success and happiness are not simply defined by outstanding academic results, but by being treated and celebrated as an individual, who is encouraged to develop strength of character and explore fully their personal potential.

Rated 'Excellent in all areas' by the ISI in January 2023, Hendon Prep is a small independent Day School and Preschool in North London for girls and boys from 3 -11 years old. We are an inclusive, friendly, family-feel school which nurtures excellence in a diverse culture. We promote and celebrate wellbeing alongside academic attainment. At Hendon Prep we see and develop the potential in every child. Our children engage enthusiastically with knowledge, embrace new ideas and are intellectually stimulated and extended beyond their age, resulting in excellent academic outcomes and confident independent learners.

Salcombe Prep School is a vibrant co-educational school nestled in the suburbs of North London, educating boys and girls aged 3-11. Here, we inspire every pupil to believe in their abilities, encouraging them to strive for personal excellence and thrive in their academic, creative, and personal pursuits. Salcombe Prep’s teaching methodology goes beyond traditional education, sparking a deep passion for learning through a variety of experiences and opportunities. Rooted in a proven foundation of academic success, as evidenced by our outstanding academic results and senior school 11+ destinations, a Salcombe Prep education empowers pupils for a lifetime of accomplishments. With over a century of educational excellence, we possess the expertise to prepare our pupils for a future where they can confidently navigate an ever-evolving world, enduring success beyond their years at Salcombe Prep!

The schools now have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to join their fantastic team. You will be based at Duncombe School but will be required to travel to the other schools in your cluster. 

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

About the role

The Operations Manager will sit on the School Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as the most senior non-academic member of staff. You will establish strong and purposeful relationships across stakeholder groups including school-based colleagues; headteachers; parents; Pod and SSC colleagues. You will ensure the safe, smooth and efficient running of the school so teachers and other academic staff can concentrate on delivering an outstanding holistic education. Work together with finance colleagues in the central team to inform and track against school budgets and observe core finance processes linked to reporting, invoicing and debt collection.

To view the full Job Description, Click Here

Who we are looking for: 

To be considered for this role you will have experience leading a multi-disciplinary team with a commercial and operational focus. We would also expect you to have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to deliver accurate and clear communications in writing, face to face or by telephone. The ability and presence to be proactive and work on own initiative, with limited supervision, and be able to manage concurrent projects and priorities. You must also have the ability to plan, organise and prioritise a heavy workload.

Benefits at Cognita 

• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience 
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays 
• Pension 
• School fee discount 
• Exclusive third-party discounts 
• Professional Development 

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 5th January 2025

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. 

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.