Job Description

Job Title:

Head of Operations

Salary:

35,000 - 42,000 (Dependent on experience)

Contract Type:

Permanent

Working Hours:

Full-time

Location:

Based in London (In Toto Ed London), with occasional travel to other In Toto Ed sites

Reports to:

Headteacher / Director

About In Toto Ed

In Toto Ed is a

progressive and values-driven group of independent special schools

providing creative, personalised education for young people with additional needs. With sites in

London, Cambridge, and Peterborough

, we are reimagining what education can be -- inclusive, innovative, and ambitious for every learner.

We are seeking a

Head of Operations (London)

to ensure the

efficient, safe, and compliant running

of the school. This pivotal role combines operational oversight with direct responsibility for

administration, attendance, examinations, facilities, cleaning, maintenance, and supplier coordination

.

The postholder will lead the

Admin Department

, oversee the

Referrals Coordinator

, and take direct responsibility for

Exams and Attendance

. They will also ensure that the school environment, systems, and operations meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and presentation.

Key Responsibilities Operational Management

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the London site, ensuring all administrative, facilities, and support services run smoothly and effectively.

Act as the primary contact for maintenance, facilities contractors, and operational suppliers.

Oversee and coordinate

cleaning, maintenance, and site presentation

, ensuring all spaces are safe, compliant, and welcoming.

Support the Director of HR, Compliance & Safeguarding to maintain full compliance with

Health & Safety

,

Fire Safety

, and

Risk Assessment

standards.

Ensure appropriate staff training is in place for

first aid, fire safety, and manual handling

.

Coordinate procurement and management of

operational suppliers and service contracts

(e.g., cleaning, maintenance, catering, and utilities), ensuring efficiency, value for money, and adherence to procurement policy.

Support the renewal and administration of

site-related contracts and leases

, maintaining accurate records and documentation.

Assist in managing

insurance documentation

and operational risk assessments to ensure the school remains fully covered and compliant.

Ensure the site is prepared for

Ofsted

,

DfE registration

, and

local authority inspections

.

Lead operational briefings, staff updates, and relevant training sessions.

Administration and Team Leadership

Lead and line-manage the

Admin Department

, ensuring effective communication, documentation, and workflow.

Oversee the

Referrals Coordinator

, ensuring referral and placement processes are accurate and meet local authority and SEND commissioning requirements.

Ensure administrative systems are efficient, secure, and compliant with

GDPR

and internal policies.

Conduct regular team meetings and appraisals, supporting performance, development, and wellbeing within the team.

Exams Officer

Take full responsibility for all

examinations and assessments

, including GCSEs and vocational qualifications.

Liaise with awarding bodies to ensure full compliance with

JCQ

and exam board regulations.

Manage exam entries, access arrangements, invigilation, and secure storage of materials.

Work with teaching staff and SENCo to ensure all students are appropriately entered and supported.

Manage results day, post-results services, and ensure all data and records are accurate and retained appropriately.

Attendance Officer

Monitor, record, and manage

student attendance and punctuality

using the

Arbor MIS

.

Produce reports for SLT and local authorities, identifying attendance trends and areas for intervention.

Work with staff, families, and external agencies to promote good attendance and engagement.

Ensure attendance procedures meet statutory

DfE

and

Independent School Standards

requirements.

Facilities, Cleaning, and Maintenance Oversight

Oversee daily cleaning and maintenance operations, ensuring high standards of hygiene, presentation, and site safety.

Liaise with maintenance teams and contractors to plan and monitor repairs, safety checks, and servicing schedules.

Maintain compliance logs for

fire safety, electrical testing, water hygiene, and equipment servicing

.

Coordinate with the Director of HR, Compliance & Safeguarding on site audits and statutory inspections.

Support the planning and delivery of

minor capital works or improvement projects

, ensuring efficiency and compliance.

Compliance and Data Management

Ensure

data accuracy, GDPR compliance, and secure information management

across all administrative systems.

Maintain the integrity of data within

Arbor MIS

, including attendance and examination records.

Ensure documentation, policies, and operational records are maintained for audit readiness.

Keep up to date with changes in operational, H&S, and educational compliance requirements, ensuring ongoing best practice.

Person SpecificationEssential

Proven experience in

operational or administrative leadership

within a school or similar setting.

Strong organisational and planning skills with excellent attention to detail.

Experience with

school MIS systems

(ideally Arbor).

Knowledge of

JCQ exam regulations

and

DfE attendance requirements

.

Experience managing

facilities, maintenance, and/or cleaning contracts

.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated understanding of

Health & Safety

,

GDPR

, and operational compliance.

Proven experience managing or supervising teams and contractors.

Ability to manage confidential information with integrity and professionalism.

Desirable

Experience within

Alternative Provision, SEMH

, or

Independent Schools

.

Familiarity with SEND referrals and placement processes.

Experience managing or supporting

capital improvement projects

.

IOSH or NEBOSH qualification (or willingness to train).

What We Offer

Salary up to

42,000

, depending on experience.

Generous pension and wellbeing benefits.

Unlimited access to an award-winning CPD platform

.

Fully funded

Enhanced DBS

and

Paediatric First Aid

training.

Cycle to work scheme and employee recognition awards.

Health Assured EAP

with 24/7 counselling, wellness app, and retail discounts.

Free tea and coffee

,

free eye test

, and

access to the gym

.

Wellbeing leave

and a culture that values work-life balance.

Free on-site parking,

MacBook provided

, and casual dress code.

The opportunity to play a key role in a

growing, forward-thinking education group

.

Safeguarding Statement

In Toto Ed is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and visitors are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will undergo an enhanced DBS check and full pre-employment vetting.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-42,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person