Deputy Head of Operations

The Deputy Head of Operations supports the Operations Director in ensuring the efficient, compliant, and strategically aligned delivery of operational services across the school campus.

The role provides leadership across procurement, contract management, reception and front-of-house services, operational project management, partner management, and campus operational systems. The position ensures that services such as reception, transport, catering, events, and other contracted services are delivered to high operational standards while maintaining strong governance, financial oversight, and safeguarding compliance.

The Deputy Head of Operations also plays an important operational role in maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well-managed campus environment, supporting the school's operational strategy and ensuring services meet the needs of students, staff, parents, and visitors.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership

• Support the Operations Director in overseeing operational services including but not limited to procurement, reception services, transport, catering, and events coordination.

• Ensure operational services are delivered efficiently and aligned with school policies, service standards, and community expectations.

• Act as a liaison between academic staff, administrative teams, parents, and operational service providers.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service delivery, and resource utilization.

2. Front-of-House & Reception Management

• Oversee the school reception and front-of-house services, ensuring a professional and welcoming experience for parents, students, staff, and visitors.

• Provide line management and operational oversight for Receptionists and Front Desk staff.

• Establish service standards and ensure reception staff provide efficient communication and support to the school community.

• Ensure reception procedures support visitor management, safeguarding policies, and campus security requirements.

• Maintain effective visitor registration and access control processes, including visitor passes and sign-in procedures.

3. Campus Security & Visitor Management

• Oversee operational procedures related to visitor access and campus entry management in collaboration with security personnel and the facilities team.

• Ensure the implementation of visitor management protocols aligned with safeguarding and child protection requirements.

• Monitor compliance with security procedures for contractors, visitors, and service providers.

• Support the development and continuous improvement of campus security procedures and incident response protocols.

• Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure safe movement and access across campus during events and peak operational periods.

4. Contract & Vendor Management

• Manage and monitor contracts with service partners including catering, transport, and other operational partners.

• Ensure partners meet service level agreements (SLAs), KPIs, and contractual obligations.

• Conduct regular partner performance reviews and service meetings.

• Maintain effective vendor relationships while ensuring accountability and service quality.

• Ensure partners comply with safeguarding and regulatory standards.

5. Procurement Governance

• Oversee procurement processes in line with school procurement policies, financial governance standards, and audit requirements.

• Support the planning and management of RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, and competitive tender processes.

• Develop transparent bid evaluation frameworks and criteria.

• Analyze spending and procurement data to support budget control and value-for-money decisions.

6. Project Management

• Support the planning and delivery of operational and campus improvement projects.

• Coordinate project stakeholders including contractors, consultants, and internal teams.

• Monitor project progress, budgets, risks, and timelines.

• Assist with summer works programmes, large installations, and operational improvement initiatives.

7. People Management & Team Leadership

Provide leadership and line management to:

• Procurement Executives

• Operations Executives

• Receptionists / Front-of-House Staff

Responsibilities include:

• Setting clear expectations and service standards.

• Conducting performance reviews and supporting professional development.

• Ensuring appropriate operational coverage during events, school activities, and peak periods.

• Promoting a collaborative culture focused on service excellence and accountability.

8. Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Operations Director, Principal, Head of School, Finance Manager, and department heads.

• Maintain strong relationships with parents, staff, vendors, and service providers.

• Support communication relating to operational services such as catering, transport, events, and campus services.

9. Compliance, Risk Management & Health and Safety

• Health & Safety Leadership - acting as the key point of contact for Health & Safety matters across the campus.

• Managing and maintaining the school's Health & Safety reporting system (Sphera), ensuring incidents, hazards, and corrective actions are properly recorded and monitored.

• Supporting incident investigations and ensuring appropriate follow-up actions are implemented.

• Monitoring contractor compliance with risk assessments and safety procedures.

• Supporting staff awareness of health and safety reporting processes.

• Chair the School Health & Safety Committee, coordinating regular reviews of incidents, risks, and safety performance.

• Ensure safety action plans are implemented and reported to the Operations Director and school leadership.

10. Reporting & Operational Analysis

• Prepare monthly and annual operational reports.

• Analyze service performance, operational costs, and partner KPIs.

• Provide recommendations to support operational improvements and strategic decision-making.

• Maintain documentation to support internal reviews and audit processes.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.

Experience / Knowledge/ Skills

• Minimum 5 years experience in operations management, procurement, facilities management, or service delivery.

• Experience in contract management and vendor oversight.

• Strong project management capability.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate data and operational performance.

• Demonstrated people management and leadership experience.

• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Experience within the education or international school sector is advantageous.

Safeguarding

At Nord Anglia Education we are committed to providing a world class, safe, happy environment in which children and young people can thrive and learn. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our pupils where we embrace all race, abilities, religions, genders, and cultures.

All post holders in regulated activity (having regular unsupervised contact with children) are subject to appropriate national and international vetting procedures including satisfactory criminal record checks from both your country of residence/birth and any country of residence within the last 10 years.

We welcome applications from suitable qualified persons from all diverse backgrounds.

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interested applicants, please click here to apply: https://careers.nordangliaeducation.com/job/Singapore-Deputy-Head-of-Operations-139644/1375434133/utm_source=SpotCareerBranding&utm_campaign=My Careers Future