Operations Manager

Cognita is an extraordinary group of diverse yet connected schools, spanning sixteen different countries. We share one common purpose: to create an inspiring world of education that builds self-belief and empowers individuals to succeed. With over 100 schools in Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America and Asia, we employ 15,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 75,000 students.

We have an exciting position for an Operations Manager, reporting into the Head of Finance working closely day-to-day with a small group of schools. Please note: This role is based solely at Cumnor House School, overseeing the Boys, Girls and Nursery Schools.

Key Responsibilities will include, (but not limited to):

• Take accountability for everything in the ‘back office’ of the school.
• Sit on the School Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as the most senior non-academic member of staff.
• Establish strong and purposeful relationships across stakeholder groups including school-based colleagues; headteachers; parents; Pod and SSC colleagues
• 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
• Ensure the school meets regulatory requirements in all areas
• Ensure the school buildings and facilities are up to standard, clean, safe and fit for purpose
• Lead projects related to additional revenue generation by utilising the places and spaces the school has: such as sports facilities or buildings
• Support people related issues and questions, with guidance from the central HR team, including the management of pre-employment checks for staff and contractors
• Support the local implementation of projects that impact school operations such as IT system upgrades, student and staff device management, and people initiatives.
• Business partner the Headteacher on all operational matters and with Pod Finance Manager to ensure adherence to budget
• Deliver improved commercial performance through organic growth and operational excellence strategies

The ideal candidate will have great interpersonal skills, enjoys interacting with others and partnering with the wider team. You will have great business partnering skills and a service mindset to support colleagues. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to deal with people on all levels with sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. Have the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work well within a team and bring a proactive approach.

Previous Experience Must Include:

• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to deliver accurate and clear communications in writing, face to face or by telephone
• Ability and presence to be proactive and work on own initiative, with limited supervision, and be able to manage concurrent projects and priorities
• Commerciality – ability to take decisions weighing up the costs and benefits
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise a heavy workload
• Successful track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams, with a commercial and operational focus

Here at Cognita we offer a Competitive Salary with some other benefits:

• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Professional development
• School fee discount
• 25 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply by submitting a CV by 5:00pm on Tuesday 30th May.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair, inclusive and equitable in our recruitment process.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• To comply with safeguarding policies, procedures and code of conduct
• To demonstrate a personal commitment to safeguarding & student/colleague wellbeing
• To ensure that safeguarding concerns or incidents are reported appropriately in line with policy
• To engage in safeguarding training when required

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.

Cognita is committed to preserving and promoting equality of opportunity in all aspects of the conduct of its business.

No member of staff or any applicant for employment with Cognita will be discriminated against, harassed or victimised because of their personal characteristics. Cognita expects all staff to comply with the letter and the spirit of its policy.