Operations Director

Colfe’s School is one of London’s oldest schools. It can be traced back to the 17th century. Although founded in 1652, the School’s estate is modern and practical, dating from the mid-twentieth century or later. Situated primarily on the Horn Park site, the Estates comprise the Senior School campus, Junior School and Sports Centre with a full-size swimming pool. The School also owns two nearby sportsgrounds – the Old Colfeans’ and Leathersellers’ grounds. Colfe’s is an inclusive independent school and positioned firmly at the down-to-earth end of the spectrum. More than 10% of pupils in a typical Sixth Form year group come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and the school is committed to widening access still further. 

The role of Operations Director is wide-ranging with a remit spanning all aspects of facilities and estates including, energy and sustainability, the delivery of grounds, management of the catering provision and transport.

The priorities are to continue the strategic development and modernisation of the Estates, incorporating environmental sustainability improvements wherever possible, and ensure support services are meeting demanding customer service standards. Reporting to the Bursar, you will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in your role, and will be supported by the Premises Manager, Estates Manager, Head of Grounds, and Colfe’s Leisure Services Manager (the School’s facilities letting and members’ leisure centre business).

We are seeking an exceptional leader.  An intellectually confident, credible, and experienced individual with a track record of leading and managing significant resources and developing and implementing operational strategies across comparably large scale, diverse and technically complex portfolios.  Positive, driven and a natural collaborator, you will possess the style, stature and the excellent interpersonal and communication skills required to succeed in a collegial and collaborative environment. The role will suit a proven leader and highly effective communicator who is adept at delivering ambitious change and transformation programmes, whilst ensuring a customer service ethos.

Closing Date for Applications:        Sunday 5th February 2023
First stage Interviews:                    w/c 20th February 2023

To arrange a confidential discussion and/or to request the full briefing particulars, please contact our retained advisors Melanie Pye or Hayley Mintern of The Management Recruitment Group.

Colfe’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in accordance with the relevant statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, proof of identity and qualifications and a satisfactory medical report. Colfe’s School recognises and is committed to ensuring applicants and employees from all sections of the community are treated equally regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, belief, gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.