Appointment of. Director of Operations

Transcription

1 Appointment of Director of Operations Required for Spring 2018

2 The School Bedford Modern School (BMS) is a thriving, independent co-educational day school with more than 1200 students from ages 7 to 18. The School is a very open community, where focus on the individual pervades the ethos. The boys and girls work well together and gain much from sharing different perspectives and approaches to learning and developing life skills. The busy school environment encourages students to be fully committed and involved in all activities. The School has a national reputation for excellence in the performing arts, as well as being current and past national champions in several different sports. Please visit for further information on BMS. Vision and Aims Vision To be the co-educational school of choice in the East of England, with a national reputation for exemplary standard. Aims Individual The individual is at the very heart of who we are and what we do. By developing their skills and character we will support everyone to be the best they can be. Well-being Every interaction with us builds a lifelong sense of mutual fulfilment and engagement. Modern Our innovative forward-thinking approach to excellence in education allows us all to flourish in a rapidly changing world. Environment Market-leading and inspiring environments are created through sustainable investment in our facilities. Community We work together as a caring, unpretentious community to develop tolerance and respect for ourselves and the wider world.

3 Location and Facilities The School is located on the outskirts of Bedford with commanding views of the Bedfordshire countryside. It benefits from excellent road and rail transport links and the journey by train from Bedford to London St Pancras takes approximately 40 minutes. The School is committed to its local community offering resources, facilities, time and expertise where it is needed most. Our facilities are excellent: a separate Junior School, dedicated Sixth Form building, faculties clustered throughout the School and extensive and impressive sports facilities. The School continues to evolve through capital development projects which are imperative for the future success of the School. Following recent completion of a 9.5 million Science Centre, the School has ambitious plans for further development, with a view to providing a premium educational experience for staff and students alike.

4 School Life At BMS, there is a wide and varied curriculum that is responsive to the needs of students and parents. The School offers a premium education appropriate to both boys and girls where the intellectual needs of each student are a priority. Individuals are assessed at entry and those with particular gifts or learning needs are identified and monitored. Students are encouraged to maximise their academic potential whilst optimising their participation in the diverse and inclusive Co-curricular Programme. Pastoral care is integral to the success of the School and all staff are expected to contribute to this supportive culture. It is a particularly friendly, happy and supportive school community. The Harpur Trust The School forms part of the legal entity called the Harpur Trust, which is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The Harpur Trust is governed by a board of 26 trustees, a number of whom then serve, together with other co-opted members, on the School Committee of Governors of BMS. The School Committee is a subcommittee of the Harpur Trust (which meets termly), but has delegated powers to enable much of the day to day business to be governed by them. Trustee approval, based on School Committee recommendations, is required for major capital projects, borrowing, final approval of budgets and fee levels, and approval of any actions that might significantly affect any other school within the Trust. Whilst there is only one legal entity that encompasses all of the Trust's schools, they are expected to operate financially autonomously in respect of operating results and reserves. The Opportunity We are looking for an exceptional leader with significant experience of multidisciplinary management across a broad spectrum of functional areas. A proven record of accomplishment in operational, project and financial management is essential, with an ability to motivate and influence in a collaborative, team-based environment. Previous experience within a school environment is helpful but certainly not a requirement; however, a strong commitment to education is essential. Candidates will be strategic thinkers who appreciate the particular demands of working within the independent sector.

5 Role Description Job Title Director of Operations Location Bedford Modern School, Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7NT Job Purpose As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Operations will play a major role in advising and supporting the Headmaster in the management and administration of the School, developing strategy and providing leadership for the support staff. The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for creating an innovative and efficient operation which supports the School's strategic vision. Reporting Line To the Headmaster Hours 37 per week, but the post holder will be required to work as necessary to achieve their objectives (subject to the Working Time Regulations 1998). Salary Competitive Line management responsibility for Deputy Bursar School Finance Manager ICT Services and Innovations Manager Human Resources Advisor Catering (currently outsourced) Support staff team of approximately 130

6 Main duties and responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Management Provide strong leadership and direction to the following functional teams: Finance, Operations and Estates (including security), HR, ICT, and Catering Manage the recruitment, professional development and welfare of the wider support staff Assist the Headmaster and Leadership Team in framing strategic thinking; setting priorities and creating business plans Review, lead and continuously improve the School's financial, operational and estates business model Contribute, as a member of the Leadership Team, to the longer-term educational aims of the School Review and lead, in conjunction with the Headmaster, organisational change as necessary Lead negotiations on all aspects of contracting with third parties, including outsourcing Finance Responsible for all aspects of the School's financial management including: Overseeing the preparation of the annual budget of over 14.5 million Monitoring income and expenditure in relation to the budget Providing regular management reports to the Headmaster and School Governors Managing and scrutinising invoices received Assisting in the preparation of forecasts and future financial performance of the School, including benchmarking Developing and co-ordinating activities such as contracting out school property to facilitate additional revenue generation Overseeing and managing procurement. Estates Responsible for developing and maintaining an outstanding, distinctive and innovative physical environment for students and staff including: Creating and managing an Estate Masterplan that reflects the School's educational philosophy and vision Planning and overseeing capital projects and developments including management of professional advisors, drawing up specifications for new buildings, obtaining tenders, planning permission and liaising with school architects and builders Overseeing the maintenance of school buildings, preparing maintenance schedules and keeping of records Implementing and managing a grounds landscape masterplan. Operations and Security Responsible for the smooth and efficient daily operation of the School to ensure it is presented in the best possible light to all members of the community Introduce best practice to ensure that students, staff and parents are provided with the best possible educational experience with clear management of service levels and expectations Oversee caretaking and cleaning to support the educational offering Responsible for the delivery of all catering services ensuring that they are being provided efficiently and to a high standard In conjunction with academic staff, manage the school uniform supplier Work with the Senior Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure that the appropriate security measures are implemented and reviewed

7 Administration Develop and manage a School Transportation Plan including coach travel, drop off, pick up, and site-wide traffic flow including liaison with local council regarding traffic flow and pedestrian crossings. Oversee and manage regulations pertaining to minibuses, licences, driver training and assessments Responsible for Health and Safety ensuring that the School is compliant with health and safety legislation Ensure, in conjunction with the Harpur Trust Office and professional advisors, that that the School has adequate insurance cover at all times to include employer's liability, buildings and equipment cover, personal accident, travel insurance and other relevant cover Maintain contact with the appropriate statutory authorities and other organisations Human Resources, Legal and Risk Management Ensure compliance with all relevant aspects of employment law Act as the Headmaster's advisor on employment matters including disciplinary procedures Handle, in conjunction with the Harpur Trust, grievance, disciplinary and dismissal issues Act as Compliance Officer in conjunction with the Senior Deputy Head and others to ensure that all legal obligations are carried out, including responsibility for the Single Central Register and meeting the Independent Schools' Regulatory requirements at all times, reporting to School Governors as appropriate Governance, Risk and Compliance Act as Clerk to the Governors Provide proactive support and advice to the Chair of School Committee and the wider body, anticipating their meetings with papers, minutes and following up actions Assist in enhancing the overall quality of governance, working with the Chair and Deputy Chair to oversee Governor Election, re-election and succession as well as induction for new Governors Ensure Governors are informed where required of all regulatory changes and where appropriate their responsibility within these changes Act as the School's liaison for all matters of legal import Manage the School's risk management matrix, including alerting Governors to current and potential opportunities, risks and threats

8 Person Specification A - Application, I - Interview, R - Reference Essential Desirable Identified Qualifications Educated to a degree level Y AR Project management qualified or willingness to attend training Y AR While a formal accounting qualification is not a pre-requisite, Y AR detailed experience of financial matters is desirable Experience Proven track record of achieving results Y AIR Evidence of successful senior management Y AIR Evidence of successful leadership in a complex organisation Y AIR Evidence of successful project management Y AIR Involvement in financial planning and budgeting Y AIR Experience of human resource management Y AIR Experience of training needs analysis and planning Y AIR Experience of estate and facilities management Y AIR Experience of coordinating and managing building projects Y AIR Experience of being involved in business continuity and Y AIR contingency planning Knowledge and skills Understand and capable of strategic planning Y AIR Able to chair and be secretary to meetings Y AIR Excellent written communication skills Y AI Excellent verbal communication skills Y I Competent IT skills Y AIR Knowledge of accounting and administration systems Y AIR Able to prioritise short, medium and long term plans to ensure Y AIR objectives are met Knowledge of the education sector Y AI First class planning, analysis and organisational skills Y AIR Confident and engaging presentational skills Y I Personal competencies and qualities A strategic thinker, intellectually strong, able to initiate, Y AIR develop and implement concepts and ideas The ability to lead by example, empower others and command Y AIR respect, within the Bedford Modern community, Harpur Trust and wider professional community Exceptional interpersonal skills Y IR A flexible, results focussed approach to work combined with a Y AI keen eye for detail and the ability to manage a significant and varied workload whilst always meeting deadlines. High levels of tact and diplomacy combined with absolute integrity Y AIR Awareness of, and empathy with the BMS vision and aims Y I Can show enthusiasm, tenacity and resilience with the ability to Y AIR work under pressure, while maintaining a sense of humour.

9 Benefits This is a full time position on a permanent contract. The annual salary will be very competitive and will be subject to the quality and experience of the successful candidate. Normal working hours are 08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Attendance will also be required at some evening and weekend events. In addition, we offer the following benefits: Stakeholder pension scheme Medical insurance - Westfield Health Fees remission - 50% discount Free lunches during term time Free on site car parking Relocation costs paid (first year only) Regular performance reviews (and CPD opportunities) The annual holiday entitlement is 25 days plus statutory bank holidays. Holidays taken during term time will be at the discretion of the Headmaster. Although this document is designed to give a fair picture of the nature of the role and conditions of employment, it does not represent a legally binding contract. A separate contract of employment will be submitted for that purpose upon acceptance of a verbal offer being made to the candidate. Appointment Process and How to Apply To apply for the role of Director of Operations please send a letter of application to support a fully completed application form with the names of two referees to: The Headmaster Bedford Modern School Manton Lane Bedford MK41 7NT Applications are welcome by to head@bedmod.co.uk Closing date: 9:00am on Friday 10 November 2017 First round interviews: Monday 20 November 2017 Final round interviews: Monday 27 November 2017 The Harpur Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.

10 Bedford Modern School Manton Lane, Bedford MK41 7NT Tel: +44(0) Fax: +44 (0) bedmod.co.uk Bedford Modern School is part of the Harpur Trust