Operations Manager

The British School of Amsterdam has outgrown the three locations we currently occupy. The division of the school onto three separate campuses allows each section the space it needs but means the functioning and feeling of the school is split. We have always wanted to be united in a single building, combining a community of pupils, staff and parents with excellent facilities and abundant outside space. The school has recently bought a historic building within a residential neighbourhood. The school has now started a redevelopment programme, ending in the summer of 2020, to turn this building into a fantastic modern British international school with a capacity of just over 14,000 m². The school will be open for the start of the new academic year in September 2020.

The Management Board consists of the Principal (Chairman) and the Bursar. The Bursar is also the Project Director for the new site.

Now that the building project is fully under way the Bursar is spending most of his time on this. Therefore, for the duration of the building project and possibly beyond, the Management Board are seeking an exceptional and entrepreneurial individual as the Operations Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day management and leadership of activities that would normally be done by the Bursar. They will also lead and build the Support Department in preparation for the transfer to the new site.

The Management Board invites candidates with substantial experience in school business management who can demonstrate the ability to operate strategically, communicate effectively and who will share our passion for education.

Key responsibilities

The Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality of support and service are provided by the Support Department to underpin an outstanding educational provision for the pupils, teachers and teaching support staff.

All managers of the different areas will report to the Operations Manager on their day-to-day activities. The areas include: admissions, data management, finance, IT, facilities, catering, marketing & PR and HR. The Operations Manager will report to the Principal on a day-to-day basis but will be accountable to the Management Board.

An important role for the Operations Manager will be responsible for managing the transition of the support services to the new school. The Operations Manger will also work with managers for each section to finalise the documentation of processes and procedures that has currently started.

Contract and benefits

The post is full time, and in the first instance temporary for one year working 40 hours per week from 8am to 5pm and a willingness to be flexible.

Benefits include

• Competitive salary, in the range of €65,000 to €75,000 per year.
• An additional 8% holiday allowance is paid per year.
• Pension plan.
• 25 days holiday, plus the statutory holidays
• Travel expenses of €0.19 per km if travelling by car (up to a monthly maximum of €180) or by public transport (if coming from outside of Amsterdam) of up to €300 per month (in standard class).

Person specification

Experience

• Minimum three years’ experience in similar role (for example, facilities, procurement, finance, resource management, administration) ideally in an educational institution or related service industry.
• Project management experience.

Personal qualities

Candidates need to have experience in leading and motivating teams and a strong understanding of business, ideally in the international education sector. The successful candidate will be:

• Influential in supporting strategic decision making within the Management Board and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Skilled at managing systems and people.
• Able to think creatively and problem-solve.
• Innovative in using new technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Excellent organisational skills.

Application process

The application form should include a covering letter, addressed to Paul Morgan, the Principal and the contact details for two referees. Once completed it should be sent to recruitment@britams.nl by Monday 17 December at 12pm (CET). Further information can be obtained by sending an email to the HR Manager, Zefania Cairo, z.cairo@britams.nl. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 19 December.