Head of Operations

Join us in building a Trust where everyone belongs and every child thrives.

At Stephenson MK Trust, we believe education changes lives.

We are an ambitious, values-driven Trust committed to ensuring every child, regardless of their starting point or circumstances, has the opportunity to flourish.

Our work is built on one simple belief:

Children thrive when they feel they belong.

Everything we do is underpinned by strong relationships, high expectations, compassion and collaboration. We are passionate about creating schools where children are understood before they are judged, where families are valued as partners and where staff are empowered to make a difference every single day.

As our Trust continues to grow, we are looking for an exceptional Head of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation.

Our Vision

We believe...

• Every child deserves to belong.
• Every family deserves to be understood.
• Every member of staff deserves to flourish.
• Every school deserves outstanding operational support.
• Every community deserves hope.

Together, we are building schools where relationships come before reputation, belonging comes before behaviour and understanding comes before consequence.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will become a key member of the Trust Leadership Team, providing strategic leadership across all operational services.

You will lead the development of a modern, efficient and sustainable operational infrastructure that enables our schools to focus on what matters most—changing children's lives.

Your portfolio will include:

• Estates Strategy and Capital Development
• Health & Safety
• Compliance and Risk Management
• Governance Systems
• Digital Strategy and Cyber Security
• Procurement and Contract Management
• Catering and Facilities
• Business Continuity
• Trust Growth and School Expansion

Working alongside the CEO, CFO and Principals, you will help shape the next stage of Stephenson MK Trust's journey.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who:

• Is an exceptional operational leader.
• Thinks strategically whilst delivering operational excellence.
• Builds strong relationships based on trust and integrity.
• Enjoys leading change and improving systems.
• Has experience of estates, compliance, procurement and governance.
• Can inspire, influence and develop others.
• Wants to make a genuine difference to children's lives.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who shares our values.

Someone who believes that excellent operational leadership creates the conditions in which children, staff and schools flourish.

HR - [phone removed] - [email removed]

CVs will not be accepted.

Please note the MAT reserves the right to change this date.

We reserve the right to close the online vacancy when we are in receipt of sufficient applications. Therefore, should you wish to apply for this post you are advised to complete and submit your application form as soon as possible.

Stephenson (MK) Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. This commitment to robust recruitment, selection and induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust or working on its behalf. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is required prior to commencement of this post.

NB - Qualification Certificates, Identification and Proof to work in the UK documents are required at Interview