Head of Operations
Stephenson (Mk) Trust, Milton Keynes, MK14 6AX25 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible after completion of required chacks
Closing date
28 August 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
3 August 2026
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £60,637.00 - £64,413.00 Annually (FTE)
Head of Operations job summary
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 - 01908 889 400 - hr@stephensonacademy.org.uk
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
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Stephenson (Mk) Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Head office location
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