Operations Director

This role reports directly to the Head of College, BCS and has matrix reporting into the COO, Asia. This position actively supports the strategic direction of BCS, assuring its accountability and ensuring its effective operations to fulfillment of key objectives which includes growing BCS to become a through-school (K12). This role has direct line management of HR, Compliance, Admissions and Marketing, and works closely with the shared service heads for Finance, IT and Facilities.

The Operations Director is responsible for the non-academic school operations and includes responsibility for:

• Financial performance and Procurement
• Admissions and Marketing
• Communications and Community (Parent) engagement
• Human Resources
• School Facilities and Management
• IT Operations
• Legal and regulatory Compliance (including but not limited to personal data protection, and private education-related regulations)

Responsibilities

Finance & Procurement Management

• In collaboration with the Head of College and the Head of Finance, drive to meet or exceed P& L targets in terms of enrolment numbers, headcounts, costs, EBITDA.
• Manage cost, drive profitability and improve efficiency, accountability, control and visibility of the finance processes.
• Management of the balance sheet.
• Responsible for all finance and accounting processes, lead and manage all statutory and reporting requirements, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management and taxation for all schools and legal entities.
• In collaboration with the Head of College and the Head of Finance prepare yearly budget supported by a business plan including need for capital expenditure.
• Regularly monitor the financial forecast and set correctives measures to mitigate and manage risk and financial exposure.
• Responsible for all procurement and asset management at the school.

Marketing and Admissions

• Work with the Head of College and Admissions and Marketing teams to develop, manage, execute, monitor and measure the School’s growth strategy.
• Ensure that the business strategy plans are based on sound financial basis and analysis.
• Monitor and be highly aware of market and competitive landscape and identify trends, risk and opportunities for the School through market intelligence and analytics.
• In collaboration with the Head of College, determine competitive benchmarking to set tuition fees, to improve school positioning and to create new Unique Selling Points.

Human Resources

• Work closely with the School’s HR Manager to ensure adherence to Regional HR policies, processes and guidelines.
• Ensure a robust performance management system for Operations staff.
• Work closely with the Head of College and School’s HR Manager (in partnership with the Regional Office) to address Compensation and Benefits strategy as part of staff retention and attraction (where practicable)

Operations

• In conjunction with Head of College and the School Executive Team, ensure that both Voice of the Parent and Voice of the Employee scores are at the desired level.
• Oversee the compliance matters for BCS and ensure adherence to CPE and EduTrust guidelines
• Oversee data protection for the School
• Oversee the complete facility and security operations at the school, including transportation.
• Act as a designate for Health & Safety-related matters if applicable. Partner with the Head of College to ensure the Health & Safety committee adhere to its obligations.
• Ensure all third-party vendors are hired in line with the school’s safer recruitment policy and safeguarding training is provided for all vendors.
• Work closely with the school academic team to ensure that necessary technology is available to meet the school’s programs and IT requirements
• Inspire, lead, mentor and develop the functional teams. Ensure regular communication to support each team member to reach their full potential, with provision for succession.
• Collaborate closely with the various functions in the School and with those of the Regional office.

This is not an exhaustive list of the job scope. The job scope includes any incidental and administrative duties as are reasonably required or reasonable desirable for the performance of the duties set out above.

Qualifications

• Degree in Business / Management / Education
• Minimum 10 years’ experience, including at least 5 years in overseeing cross functional teams, collaborating with stakeholders at senior levels in a multinational high value service environment like retail or hospitality, or the education sector.

Position Requirements

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Team builder and team player.
• Experience in influencing various functions including diverse multi-cultural teams.
• Ability to operate in a matrix organisation.
• Outstanding communication skills in English (written, oral, presentational).
• Ability to interact successfully with people from diverse cultures, from varying seniority levels, requiring skills in diplomacy and tact.
• Highly motivated with an eye for detail; pro-active attitude and passion for achieving results for the customer.

Contacts

• Interacts with all levels of individuals – Regional team, School Management, School Staff, Parents, Students, Vendors etc

Working Conditions

• School environment
• Extended working hours to complete some projects may be required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work

Terms of Employment

• Working Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday to Friday
• Annual Leave: 25 working days per annum
• Medical Benefits: Group medical insurance
• Sick Leave/Hospitalisation Leave: 14 days sick leave and 60 days hospitalisation leave
• Probation Period: 3 months from date of commencement
• Referee request: minimum 2 Required
• Background check: Required

Safeguarding

The job holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young person’s for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the relevant Cognita Safeguarding; Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the role, the job holder identifies any instance that a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm either at school or at home, s/he must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or to the Head of School or indeed to the Regional CEO or Safeguarding Manager - Asia so that a referral can be made accordingly to the statutory services.

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. Appointment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity (if the candidate has lived in the UK) and/or criminal/police or equivalent background checks for all other countries inhabited (irrespective of whether you worked in those countries).