Operations Lead - Education

As Operations Manager, you will provide leadership across workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, attendance management, compliance, business administration and operational systems.

You will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and effective running of the college, driving improvements in workforce performance, operational effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

Act as an active member of the College Senior Leadership Team.

Support delivery of the College Development Plan and strategic objectives.

Contribute to organisational planning, resource management and operational improvement.

Lead projects that enhance efficiency, workforce effectiveness and compliance.

Promote a culture aligned with Salutem's values and behaviours.

Lead workforce planning activities to ensure effective staffing levels.

Review workforce structures and identify future staffing requirements.

Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.

Drive employee engagement and workforce sustainability.

Oversee end-to-end recruitment activities.

Develop effective attraction strategies to secure high-quality candidates.

Analyse recruitment and retention trends.

Implement initiatives to improve retention and reduce vacancies.

Promote Beaumont College as an employer of choice within specialist education.

Provide leadership and guidance on: Disciplinary investigations Grievance procedures Absence management Capability processes Performance management Workplace conflict resolution

Disciplinary investigations

Grievance procedures

Absence management

Capability processes

Performance management

Workplace conflict resolution

Ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant people management practices.

Support managers with investigations and formal HR processes.

Monitor and analyse sickness absence levels.

Implement strategies to improve staff attendance.

Support employee wellbeing initiatives.

Develop solutions that improve engagement and morale.

Support managers with both short-term and long-term absence cases.

Maintain oversight of: Safer recruitment requirements Single Central Record compliance DBS monitoring Right to Work checks Mandatory training compliance Supervision compliance Appraisal completion

Safer recruitment requirements

Single Central Record compliance

DBS monitoring

Right to Work checks

Mandatory training compliance

Supervision compliance

Appraisal completion

Ensure compliance with employment legislation, KCSIE guidance and organisational policies.

Support inspection readiness, audits and compliance reviews.

Oversee daily operational functions across the college.

Ensure robust administration systems and processes are in place.

Monitor operational risks and business continuity arrangements.

Support health and safety compliance.

Lead operational improvement projects.

Manage operational service contracts where applicable.

Produce and analyse workforce and operational performance reports.

Monitor data relating to: Recruitment Staff turnover Absence Agency usage Training compliance Supervision compliance Employee relations activity

Recruitment

Staff turnover

Absence

Agency usage

Training compliance

Employee relations activity

Present meaningful management information to senior leaders.

Support evidence-based decision making through robust reporting.

Build effective relationships with: Staff teams Trade unions and professional associations Families and stakeholders Shared service departments External agencies

Staff teams

Trade unions and professional associations

Families and stakeholders

Shared service departments

External agencies

Act as a key point of contact for HR and operational matters.

Support clear and effective communication across the organisation.

Significant operational management experience.

Experience managing HR functions within education, health or social care.

Experience leading recruitment and retention initiatives.

Experience managing employee relations cases.

Experience working within regulated environments.

Experience producing workforce reports and management information.

Experience leading teams and driving organisational improvement.

Within your first 12 months, you will:

Improve staff retention and reduce vacancies.

Maintain HR and safeguarding compliance above organisational targets.

Increase supervision and appraisal completion rates.

Reduce agency expenditure through effective workforce planning.

Deliver timely and effective employee relations outcomes.

Improve attendance levels and staff wellbeing indicators.

Strengthen workforce capability through recruitment and development strategies.

Contribute positively to inspection readiness and overall college performance.

This role provides a unique opportunity to become a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, working alongside the Principal, Head of Care and Assistant Principals to ensure workforce stability, operational excellence and regulatory compliance. By providing dedicated operational and people leadership, you will enable educational and care leaders to focus on delivering exceptional outcomes for our students.

➡️Supportive: Helping everyone reach their full potential.

➡️Ambitious: Striving for the best outcomes.

➡️Loyal: Prioritising our staff and the people we support.

➡️Unique: Innovating without compromising quality.

➡️Transparent: Fostering openness and mutual respect.

➡️Engaging: Partnering with everyone involved.

➡️Meaningful: Offering fulfilling opportunities.

✅Emotional Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance, mental health resources, meditation apps, and bereavement support.

✅ Medical Support: Free Online GP access, Health Cash Plan, Cancer Cover, and Menopause support.

✅ Financial Support: Flexible pay with Wagestream, utility bill savings, Money Helper, and Life Assurance.

✅ Physical Support: Online workouts, Cycle to Work scheme, gym discounts, and National Trust activities.

🌟 Recognised as a Top Employer United Kingdom 2026 by the Top Employers Institute.

🌍 Named among the Top 100 Global Inspiring Workplaces by Inspiring Workplaces.

♿ Proud to be a Disability Confident Committed employer.

Salutem Care and Education is dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of children, young adults, and vulnerable individuals. As part of our safer recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS and, where applicable, overseas criminal record checks.

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