Head of Business & Operations (Portsmouth)

Head of Business and Operations

Salary: TSAT Pay Group 8 £47,356 to £57,774 per annum (Cost of living increase due September 2022)

Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Location: Portsmouth Hub, Based at the Teaching & Learning Centre, The Portsmouth Academy

Start date: ASAP

Closing date: 10/07/2022

Interviews: Week commencing 18th July, 2022

The Role

The Head of Business and Operations (HBO) is a critical role in our organisation.  Responsible for leading the strategic oversight of business and operations within a group of schools, it requires someone that is a skilled communicator, able to work with and get the best from a wide range of stakeholders and is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards are met, that enable the best outcomes for our students.

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At TSAT we have fully centralised our business functions, delivering Finance, HR, Governance and Compliance, Facilities, Technology and Marketing services to all schools within the Trust.  We are proud of the expert support, advice and guidance we provide to our schools and are looking for the right candidate to join our Service Delivery team, as the HBO to our Portsmouth Schools.

Within Portsmouth, we have a mix of infant, junior and primary schools that operate under 3 Headteachers as 3 effective all-through Primaries, in addition to a single Secondary School.  These schools make up the Portsmouth Hub within TSAT, a Trust with a further 10 schools across the South of England based in Kent and Plymouth.  And we are a Trust that is continuing to grow!

Each Headteacher within the Hub reports to the Director of Education and the HBO will need to build a strong working relationship with each of these leaders, ensuring they have the support needed to focus on delivering excellent teaching and learning in their schools.

The Portsmouth HBO will need to work equally with both school leaders and central service teams, to support the strategic development of each Academy and ensure central services meet the TSAT service values of being Trusted, Solution Focused, Approachable and Timely.

The HBO will receive expert support from each of the central service teams but must have a sound working knowledge of business management within an education setting.  You will be responsible for ensuring the working relationship between each Academy and Central Service is a success.  You must be well-organised, able to manage projects and co-ordinate teams effectively, and clearly communicate the needs of the Academy to achieve the desired aims.

The HBO will lead on strategic financial and workforce planning, ensuring the best use of resources for the best outcomes.  You will work with key members of each central service, known as the Portsmouth Hub Drive Team, to ensure high quality services are delivered to academies within the hub.  You will also lead on monitoring of Risk Management for each Academy, working with other key stakeholders to minimise or mitigate risk.  

Each Academy reports to a collective Hub Finance and Operations Committee and the HBO will be the lead officer for this, informing governors of key activities and updates, three times a year.

If you’re looking for an opportunity to be instrumental in transforming the life chances of nearly 3,000 students in Portsmouth and have the right skills, desire and determination for the role of a Head of Business and Operations, we can’t wait to hear from you!

What you will need to succeed:

• The position will require knowledge and experience within Leadership & Management, Project Planning, Financial Management, HR & Payroll, Premises Management, Business Development 
• Minimum 2-year experience working with the Education sector 

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to join a growing organisation during an extremely exciting time, with the opportunity for progression as the Trust grows in size.
• You will be given a Trust laptop and mobile phone upon commencing the position.
• The successful applicant will also have access to the local government pension scheme and an annual leave entitlement of 26 days, increasing to 30 after 5 years of service.
• We are also able to offer a relocation package of up to £3,000 for the right candidate.
• Vast support network from senior leaders within the school and our Trust
• A 24/7 employee assistance programme which provides counselling and support / advice on a wide array of areas

Next Steps:

If you are interested in joining our growing Multi-Academy Trust and developing your career, please apply today!

To apply for this position and to find out more about our Trust and Academies, please contact Dan High, Director of Service Delivery d.high@tsatrust.org.uk

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

TSAT is committed to safe recruitment procedures and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments to this post are subject to an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check.