Job Description

Company Overview

Taunton School is a large, exciting and diverse organisation in the education sector. We are ambitious without pretence and extraordinarily friendly, fostering relationships based on mutual respect among all members of our school community.

We aspire to deliver exceptional every day, whilst creating a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can thrive, find their exceptional, and be celebrated. Our 3 cornerstone values are Humility, Engagement and Kindness. If this sounds like a cultural fit for you, and you meet the job requirements, we would love to hear from you.

Summary

This an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to hold a pivotal role at the heart of our school and make an impact from day one.

The Head of Operations & Facilities is a unique and busy position, responsible for leading the day-to-day provision of the services that support the school, along with your team who manage transport, catering, housekeeping, site security and caretaking, and our sports club & swim school. This role is a crucial role, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently - put simply, you keep the school ticking!

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, and sitting on the Operational & Business Services Management team, you will drive continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring the delivery of operational excellence.

This role will suit a candidate who relishes the versatility of a wide remit to guide whole organisational development and deliver a first-class operational service. You will have extensive experience of operations and strategy within a large and complex organisation. Using your inspirational and collegiate leadership style, you will motivate a multi-disciplined team and be a highly visible presence in school.

Previous experience within an educational setting would be an advantage but is not essential.

Responsibilities

Operational - Transport

Optimise Transport services for efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Continuously review existing processes and systems, and explore alternative solutions with the Transport Management Team

Effectively communicate with the Transport Management Team to achieve business objectives

Ensure compliance with organisational and statutory requirements regarding operator licence, health & safety, service, quality, driver's hours and tacho requirements

Work with the Director of Commercial Enterprises to ensure the transport fleet is maximised and utilised beyond the day-to-day operations

Operational - Site Security & Caretaking

Lead the department to ensure efficient and safe operation of security and caretaking

Optimise Site Security through the School Keepers for efficiency and cost-effectiveness

Co-ordinate the actions of the department in managing day to day activity in the school and reacting to emergency situations

Ensure the premises are maintained and services are provided in a proactive and cost-effective manner

Work with the Director of Commercial Enterprises to ensure site security in connection with internal and external events, venue hire etc.

Operational - Housekeeping

Optimise Housekeeping for efficiency and cost effectiveness, in conjunction with the Housekeeping Manager

Ensure the provision of an excellent housekeeping service, including boarding houses, classrooms, offices, laundry etc.

Ensure that the needs of the school are met at all times

Operational - Catering

Oversee the catering operations ensuring seamless service delivery to stakeholders

Monitor and ensure operational efficiencies and stakeholder satisfaction

Champion environmentally and socially responsible practices, embedding food waste management strategies into daily operations

Drive waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and energy efficiency initiatives

Build positive, credible and collaborative relationships & communication methods with key stakeholders

Create a culture of excellence with the team, continually striving to deliver an exceptional and innovative service

Operational - Sports Club and Swim School

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Sports Club and Swim School ensuring a safe and exceptional service for stakeholders

Optimise these areas for efficiency, cost effectiveness, and maximum utilisation, in conjunction with the Director of Commercial Enterprise

Ensure the highest standards in quality and safety control measures

Leadership

Lead and inspire a team of Department Heads/Managers and their own teams to optimise service, underpinned by a structured approach with appropriate focus on compliance with relevant company polices, standards and employment principles

Continually look to develop teams through mentoring, training, recognition, and empowerment

Provide clear communication, training, and support to ensure the team is fully aligned with the operational and strategic goals

Appraise and, where required, performance manage direct reports

Take responsibility for department budget preparation and monitoring Ensure the immediate resolution of operational issues or complaints, working with team leads as appropriate, and ensure that corrective long-term action has been taken Coordinate the communication of the operations teams and any alterations or disruptions to services Coordinate any event or space planning such as team moves and meeting room configuration
Work with the Director of Commercial Enterprises to ensure that internal and external events run smoothly and efficiently

Work with the Director of Commercial Enterprises to ensure a premium guest experience in the school's residential operations

Work with the Director of Commercial Enterprises to ensure that the Catering and Events teams provide a high-quality service at events, and that services are mobilised for activities such as parties, conferences, weekend sporting fixtures etc.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

Ensure all operations meet regulatory & legislative requirements and school policies

Proactively monitor stakeholder feedback and implement improvements to enhance satisfaction and service quality

Work in conjunction with necessary internal stakeholders e.g. Health & Safety, Director of Commercial Enterprises, Director of Estates.

Finance

Oversee and manage the School's operations budget, ensuring best value for money in all contracts and responsible resource allocation

Liaise with the Finance Director to implement internal financial and administrative controls and systems

General

Ensure business critical KPIs including Health & Safety, and Sustainability are met Prepare papers for Governor meetings as required Attend the Operational and Business Management Team meetings Attend, and encourage attendance of your teams, First Friday
Comply with, promote and act in accordance with all School policies

Comply with data protection legislation and expectations for

confidentiality, and to report any breaches to the COO at the earliest opportunity

Comply with Health & Safety legislation and guidance, and to report any issues or breaches to the Health & Safety Advisor immediately

Maintain consistent working relationships with colleagues, supporting them in line with your role and responsibilities

Keep colleagues informed about aspects of your work and schedule which may affect the support you can give them, and/or may have an impact on the service they provide

Develop your effectiveness by updating your knowledge and skills, seeking, and taking account of constructive feedback on your performance, making effective use of the development opportunities made available to you

Ensure compliance with all school policies and procedures

Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably requested by the COO

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 50,440.00-58,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Bereavement leave Canteen Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site gym On-site parking Private medical insurance Referral programme Sick pay
Application question(s):

Do you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills Are you adaptable and agile, with the ability to pivot in response to changing requirements? Are you excited by new challenges and high expectations?
Experience:

Leadership: 3 years (required) Operations management: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person