Director of Operations

Director of Operations
Location: EdCity, West London (with flexible working available)
Reports to: Managing Director, Ark Schools
Contract: Permanent | Full-Time (9:00am – 5:30pm)
Salary: Up to £150,000 (depending on experience)
Application Deadline: 9:00am, Monday 16th June 2025
Interview Dates: Tuesday 20th June or Tuesday 24th June (afternoon, in-person)

About the Role
Ark Schools is at a pivotal point in its journey. With a strong and growing network of high-performing schools, we are focused on strengthening the support we offer our school leaders so they can concentrate on delivering exceptional outcomes for all pupils.

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Operations to lead and oversee the core operational functions that underpin our network, including IT, HR, procurement, estates, and administration. This role plays a vital part in ensuring that Ark’s operational systems and structures are aligned to our mission and run efficiently and effectively to serve our schools.

The Director of Operations will report directly to the Managing Director of Ark Schools and work closely with the CEO, CFO, and other senior leaders. The successful candidate will be based at our EdCity headquarters in West London, with flexibility to work remotely as part of our hybrid approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and reliable operational services across the Ark Schools network.
• Manage and develop a senior team of operational heads across multiple departments.
• Set and communicate annual strategic objectives for operations teams in alignment with organisational goals.
• Oversee and optimise operating models and organisational structures to improve service delivery and meet evolving school needs.
• Lead continuous improvement across all operational processes, systems, and services.
• Collaborate with senior executives to ensure clear accountability and optimal division of responsibilities.
• Report regularly to the Ark Schools Board and Audit & Risk Committee on strategic operational issues and risk management.

What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a visionary and experienced leader who brings strategic insight, operational excellence, and a commitment to educational equity. The ideal candidate will possess:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of senior-level operational leadership experience in a multi-academy trust or similar complex organisation.
• Proven experience overseeing core operational functions such as IT, HR, and compliance.
• Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and driving organisational change.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data for strategic decision-making.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• A proven track record in delivering efficiencies and improving performance across multiple areas.
• Ability to make sound, strategic decisions in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• A commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and achieving positive outcomes for all children.

What We Offer

• Annual Leave: 27 days (rising to 30 days after 3 years), plus bank holidays.
• Pension: Access to the TPT pension scheme with an 11% employer contribution, or the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) depending on eligibility.
• Flexible Working: Core hours from 10:00am to 4:00pm with flexibility around start and finish times, plus up to 10 consecutive remote working days per year (UK or abroad).
• Office Closure: Full closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Wellbeing Benefits: Gym discounts (up to 40%), free eye tests, interest-free season ticket or bike loans, and access to Ark Rewards with discounts at over 3,000 retailers.
• Professional Development: Continuous learning opportunities via in-person sessions and a bespoke online platform.

About Ark
Ark is a leading education charity committed to giving every child, regardless of background, access to a great education and real choices in life. We operate 39 schools across Birmingham, Hastings, London, and Portsmouth, serving over 30,000 students.

Beyond our schools, we also launch and scale impactful education ventures like Ark Curriculum Plus and Ark Start, bringing innovative solutions to the wider sector.

Our new home at EdCity in West London provides a vibrant, collaborative environment for mission-driven organisations working to improve the lives of children.

Diversity, Inclusion & Safeguarding
At Ark, we celebrate diversity and believe it strengthens our organisation. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

We are also fully committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and expect all staff to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and a rigorous safer recruitment process.

Apply Now
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may close early if a high volume of strong applications is received. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To apply or find out more, visit the Ark Careers page or Public Appointments Website.