Director of Operations

Forward Education Trust (FET) is a growing Multi Academy Trust established in 2017 serving special schools across the West Midlands area. Our existing Director of Operations has recently been appointed Chief Executive of the Trust and we now wish to appoint a permanent replacement, to support the Trust during a period of organisational change and continued growth. We now have 6 schools in Birmingham and Sandwell, with a new school due to open in Solihull in September 2023.

The Director of Operations is a member of the Trust Executive team, a role which is pivotal to the future success of our Trust. We are looking for a rounded professional, possibly with experience of education or schools, who really cares about our children and our staff. We believe that in order to provide the best possible education & care for our children, along with a safe and suitable environment for staff, a successful Director of Operations is critical to ensure that our facilities and resources are of the highest quality and suitability.

The successful candidate will work with a wide range of staff, business partners and external companies. They will embody the Trust’s vision and values, as well as displaying the behaviours of someone working in FET today. Excellent relationship and communication skills are essential. Travel between all schools is necessary. This is a demanding, high-profile and challenging role, which has the scope for someone to really excel.

We will provide a competitive salary, a supportive Executive team and ongoing professional development.  If you would like to discuss the scope of the role, or your suitability for it, please contact the CEO, Simon Dilkes, for a confidential conversation via ceo@fet.ac    

We also offer a 24/7 employee support helpline, access to FET HUB - our rewards and wellbeing platform, which includes a paid-for health cash plan, as well as working with a supportive Central team in a friendly and inclusive working environment. Some flexibility around working arrangements available. 

Closing Date: Tuesday 30th August 2022 at 9am 

Interview Date: Wednesday 7th September 2022

To apply, please complete an application form and submit via https://www.fet.ac/vacancies/  or by emailing it to recruitment@fet.ac 

Please note that only fully completed Forward Education Trust Application forms will be accepted; we will not read accompanying Curriculum Vitae (CV) or accept them in place of an application form. 

The Trust may review applications upon receipt and may call applicants for interview prior to the advert closing date. Therefore, you are encouraged to make an early application for this role and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date

This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent and spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

Please note that only Forward Education Trust application forms will be accepted, we will not read accompanying CVs. Enhanced DBS clearance, Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations 2009, and prohibition checks if overseas trained required; certificate of good conduct will need to be obtained if applicable prior to interview. 

If you do not hear from the school within 14 days of returning your application form to us, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted.

Forward Education Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must promote this ethos.