Head of Operations

Stocklake Park Community School, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1DP

30 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  5 February 2026

• Closing date

  8 March 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  5 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Bucks Pay Range 9

Head of Operations job summary

Head of Operations

The Vale Federation of Schools

Salary: Range 9

Contract: Full Time, 52 weeks per year, 37 hours per week

Location: Multi‑site (Aylesbury area)

Start Date: As soon as possible

A pivotal leadership role shaping the future of our Federation

The Vale Federation of Special Schools is seeking an exceptional, forward‑thinking Head of Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the strategic and operational functions that underpin our mission to deliver an outstanding education for every pupil.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced operational leader to influence, innovate, and drive excellence across finance, estates, IT, compliance, catering, health & safety, and organisational development.

If you are motivated by purpose, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As our Head of Operations, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership across all non teaching operational functions of the Federation

• Lead financial planning, budget management, and long term resource strategy

• Oversee estates and facilities management across multiple sites, ensuring safe, secure, and high quality learning environments

• Drive digital development, cyber security, and IT strategy

• Lead on compliance, risk management, data protection, and statutory responsibilities

• Manage key operational leaders including Premises, Finance & IT, Catering, Marketing, and Health & Safety

• Support the Principal and Heads of School in delivering the Federation’s strategic vision

• Lead capital projects, procurement, and value for money initiatives

• Develop and implement fundraising and income generation strategies

• Report to and advise the Governing Board on all operational matters

This is a role for a strategic thinker who can also deliver operational excellence day to day.

About You

We are looking for a leader who brings:

Essential Experience & Skills

• Senior level experience in financial management and operational leadership

• Strong understanding of estates, facilities, and health & safety management

• Knowledge of data protection and safer recruitment

• Experience managing teams and developing staff

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills

• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional integrity

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines

• Confident use of IT systems, including Microsoft 365

Qualifications

• IOSH Certificate

• GCSEs in English and Maths

• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• Experience in the education sector

• Knowledge of Access Education Finance, Arbor MIS, or Smartlog

• Small Pool Operators Certificate

• Commercial or business acumen

Personal Qualities

• A commitment to the Federation’s values and to achieving the best outcomes for pupils

• Integrity, honesty, resilience, and adaptability

• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively

• A positive, flexible approach and willingness to work across multiple sites

Why Join The Vale Federation?

• A supportive, values driven leadership culture

• The opportunity to shape and influence a growing, ambitious Federation

• A varied and rewarding role with significant strategic impact

• Professional development and training opportunities

• A chance to make a real difference in a community centred educational environment

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Vale Federation of Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to provide two satisfactory references, undertake pre-employment checks including a health check and have a cleared Enhanced Disclosure & Barring check. An online search (including social media) will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment process.

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.

About Stocklake Park Community School

• School type: Special school, ages 11 to 19
• School size: 105 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Stocklake Park Community School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/stocklake-park-community-school

Part of the Vale Federation of Schools, Stocklake Park Secondary School is a special school which caters for students who have moderate to severe learning difficulties. There are currently 100 students at the main site. The school follows a primary model and is designed to meet individual educational needs and develop social and personal skills. The curriculum is organised to give students the opportunity to experience and explore different subjects. We provide high quality education and care and students have access to a range of therapies, multi-agency professionals and a team of therapists who support students’ needs. We offer an excellent training package for staff together with a fantastic opportunity to become part of an innovative and forward thinking team who are providing a therapeutic and unique learning environment for its pupils. All students have access to swimming at our primary site, a rebound centre and purpose built outdoor spaces including a MUGA (multi use games area) and playground equipment. We are close to bus and train links and on-site parking is available for staff.

School location

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