DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Full Time
Required from January 2027 or as soon as possible
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for a Director of Operations to join the Executive Team at this exceptional school.
With its distinctive heritage as the oldest independent girls’ school in London, James Allen’s Girls’ School provides a forward-thinking and contemporary education for over 1200 girls aged 4 to 18. Located in the London borough of Southwark, JAGS has a diverse school community and is committed to inclusion in the workplace.
The Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and development of operational services across the school. The postholder will ensure that the school's physical environment, facilities, security and technology systems operate to the highest standards, thereby enabling an outstanding educational experience for pupils and staff.
The Director of Operations will develop and deliver operational strategy in line with the School Strategic Development Plan, lead major infrastructure projects, ensure regulatory compliance, manage health & safety and risk, and lead continuous improvement across operational functions.
As a member of the JAGS Executive Team, and reporting to the Head, the postholder will contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of the school.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced senior leader, with the ability to develop and translate long-term strategic objectives into outstanding operational delivery plans. A measured and confident decision maker, the postholder will ensure the school’s operational services support the delivery of an outstanding educational experience to over 1200 girls, aged 4 to 18.
The ideal candidate’s vision will also match our school aims:
• To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community
• To champion social awareness and sustainability
• To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each student
• To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders
• To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals
How to apply:
James Allen’s Girls’ School is being assisted in the recruitment of this key appointment by the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA), from whom a Candidate Pack can be obtained by sending an email to recruiting@theisba.org.uk
Alternatively, if you would like to discuss the position with ISBA prior to applying, please contact Lucy Wyatt on 07817 038009.
The closing date for applications is 9 November 2026.
Screening interviews conducted by the ISBA recruitment team will be held for long-listed candidates. Short-listed candidates will attend first stage interviews week commencing 23 November 2026 at James Allen’s Girls’ School, and, if invited, final panel interviews week commencing 30 November 2026, dates to be confirmed.
All candidates must read our recruitment policy and safeguarding (child protection) policy before applying for any position within the School.
We recognise that celebrating the full diversity of staff and students has a positive impact on all and invite applications from candidates from all parts of the community.
To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.
Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified deadline, if a suitable candidate is found.
JAGS is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service, and overseas police and regulatory authorities where relevant.
