Head - Operations Aldar Academies

To drive all aspects of operational efficiencies at cluster level through strong leadership and integrity, clear communication, defined strategy, creative thinking, and robust processes. To collaborate with cluster principals and HQ senior leadership teams and ensure a consistent and streamlined approach in line with identified strategic directives, whilst maximising cost efficiencies,return on investment and quality standards, through effective development and management of operational and capital budgets. To be responsible for the organisation and delivery of Operations and outsourced service teams across the cluster, implementing a 'service culture' and ensuring efficient, effective staff deployment. Lead in the recruitment of high calibre candidates to join the Operations and outsourced service team, and support principals and HQ functional leads in the recruitment of functional, school-based staff. To support and advise key stakeholders within the cluster and HQ teams on operational, financial, risk, safety, sustainability, and audit & regulatory compliance matters and be accountable for their effectiveness using robust performance management systems. To lead on operational capital deployment in relation to growth and expansion of key build projects within their cluster. To implement processes and provide strategic guidance to the principals and senior leadership teams on audit and regulatory compliance matters, ensuring that schools maintain compliance throughout the year in all authority and internal audit visits. To ensure that all Operations and outsourced service staff are supported with high quality continuous professional development and training which contributes to the overall development and achievements of each school. To oversee NPS and other key strategic objectives for the cluster through formulating and leading on specific aspects of the school business and/or improvement plan as they relate to operations and outsourced services. To support strategic directives of other functions where operational input is required. To drive a positive and proactive safe, healthy and environmental culture throughout their cluster teams and act as a champion for safety, health, sustainability and risk management. Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by either direct or indirect reporting lines.

Specific Duties:

Leadership & Management

Oversee the performance of the Operations and outsourced service staff to ensure high standards of quality and service are maintained throughout the cluster and provide a collegial efficient and effective service culture. Continuously review school support services operating models and staffing levels to ensure the cluster is suitably resourced to deliver key objectives, contributing to the school s financial and operational performance. Dotted-line management (leave, attendance, resource allocation etc.) of admin staff and coordination with cluster/HQ functional leads on the non-functional performance of the school-based teams. Oversee the recruitment, professional development, appraisal, and training programs of Operations staff. Implementation of policies, service guidelines, systems and processes, relevant to their cluster and in conjunction with HQ teams to ensure business continuity and service deliverables. Initiate and identify good practices within their cluster and ensure these are implemented throughout the group to streamline operations, processes and policies and secure efficiencies. Be contactable outside of normal school hours, available to attend site to support the Operations teams when required in line with the Aldar Education Critical Incident Response Protocols.

Finance, Commercial & Procurement

To support the principal and school-based operational leads in developing & monitoring relevant operational budgets and expenditure, ensuring the department always receives best value and service. Continually reviewing opportunities for shared resource, cost and/or services across the cluster they hold responsibility for, to ensure that the schools benefit from improved access to service teams and physical resources (i.e., support staff, transport etc). Support the school-based operational leads in reviewing & preparing all relevant information to initiate tenders, develop weighted pre-determined evaluation criteria & completion of technical evaluations if required. Ensure Delegation of Authority processes and procedures are always followed. Lead in the effective delivery of key projects such as new builds and major expansions, supporting project stakeholders, sharing knowledge, and implementing good practice during pre-ops and project execution.

Stakeholder Management & Compliance

Embrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the Aldar Education core values. Ensure that assigned cluster is fully compliant with local government authority regulations to safeguard against fines of any nature as a result of non-renewal of contracts and licenses at school level. Ensure all internal and external audits are effectively managed and that actions arising from such audits are completed in a timely and appropriate manner. Conduct operational investigations as required following an incident for the purpose of improvement to key processes or policies to ensure school operations remain efficient. Understand the effects and implications of government policies, legislation, and directives, developing effective strategies for current initiatives and long-term educational trends and developments.