Regional Operations Director

Purpose of Role

ISP is one of the fastest growing and largest school groups in the world, with over 80 schools present in more than 20 countries. We are looking for talented and experienced operations managers (across a range of locations) to join us and be part of our exciting mission to deliver a transformative education to our students, giving them the best life opportunities and contributing to a better world.

ISP has a group, regional and school structure.   ISP schools are clustered into a regional group, typically c10 schools, and are supported by an expert regional team (which is led by a Regional Managing Director – ‘RMD’).  This Regional Operations Director is a regional role and the position reports to the RMD and, along with the Regional Director of Learning and Regional Finance Director, forms the regional leadership team.   The role provides an opportunity to work with a dynamic regional team to drive the growth and success of the region as part of a fast-growing global schools group.

Leading a regional team of functional experts and delivering a strategy which is aligned to the business plan, the ROD engages stakeholders and ensures that business operations and commercial objectives are met, and ISP’s reputation is enhanced, and key risks are mitigated. The role will entail working in close partnership with both regional and Group colleagues across our global group.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Regional Operations Director Key Responsibilities

• Working seamlessly with the RMD, RFD (Regional Finance Director) and RLD (Regional Learning Director) you will agree and achieve the regions operational KPI’s.
• Leading your regional team, you will be accountable for operational efficiency and the successful roll out of all ISP systems and process

• You will lead a team of regional functional experts to include IT, HR, Property, Marketing, Admissions and Retention (MAR), Health and Safety and Safeguarding ensuring successful delivery of functional KPI’s.
• Drive and deliver regional ESG standards and targets across the region and report to Group.
• Analyse and improve Parent and Staff NPS results and work with the region to drive high employee engagement.
• Work to ensure functional rubrics are completed to agreed annual timeline and performance improvement plans are in place to achieve mastering level over time (HR, Property, MAR, IT, H&S and Safeguarding).
• Support the onboarding of new schools to the region delivering operational excellence in a timely manner.
• Successfully manage the annual property (capex and capacity) process.
• Report to Group on all operational aspects of the region.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• > 8-10 years of experience in an operational management role in a large international matrixed organisation (services sector preferred).
• Degree qualified with proven track record of leading/informing/advising at a senior level.
• A high level of ability to communicate, influence and build strong relationships both internally and externally.
• Experience in the Education sector desirable.
• Able to manage complexity, across countries and cultures, in real time.
• Excellent oral and written communications capability.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills to deliver results through others.
• Focus on continuous improvement, to develop and implement new ideas and bring best practice to the business.
• Proven organisational skills including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work in autonomously and flexibly.
• Strong desire to learn and make a positive impact.
• Detail-oriented, collaborative, and team player.
• Excellent English communication skills. Other languages may be required dependent on region
• High level of discretion and professionalism in dealing with confidential information.

ISP Leadership Competencies

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.

Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth. 

Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and can motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.

Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.

Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.

Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.

Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.