General Manager, School Operations

Position Overview

The General Manager, School Operations is a senior management position responsible for the overall effectiveness and development of the School's operations. The role provides leadership across business operations, financial management, people development and educational priorities, while supporting the School's continued growth and long-term sustainability.

The position will work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen organisational performance, implement improvement initiatives, develop people and ensure that operational priorities remain aligned with the School's educational objectives.

The successful candidate will bring extensive senior-level experience in the education and learning environment, together with strong commercial capability, financial accountability, cross-border exposure and demonstrated leadership maturity.

Core Responsibilities

Operational and Organisational Management

·         Provide strategic and operational direction to ensure the effective management of the School.

·         Translate institutional objectives into practical operating plans, priorities and measurable outcomes.

·         Review organisational practices and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, performance and long-term sustainability.

·         Lead organisational enhancement and transformation initiatives, ensuring effective implementation across relevant functions.

·         Monitor overall performance and take appropriate action to address operational challenges and emerging risks.

·         Exercise sound judgement when managing complex matters and competing organisational priorities.

Commercial and Financial Oversight

·         Provide oversight of the School's financial and commercial performance.

·         Assume appropriate accountability for the financial performance of the organisation, including budgeting, resource allocation, revenue and expenditure management.

·         Evaluate the financial implications of strategic and operational decisions and ensure resources are deployed effectively.

·         Assess commercial opportunities and associated risks in support of sustainable organisational growth.

·         Maintain appropriate financial discipline while balancing commercial requirements with educational priorities.

·         Take ownership of business outcomes and ensure that agreed performance objectives are appropriately monitored.

People and Leadership

·         Build a high-performing culture founded on accountability, collaboration, trust and continuous improvement.

·         Lead, motivate and empower employees to achieve individual, team and organisational objectives.

·         Delegate responsibilities appropriately while providing clear direction, support and oversight.

·         Recognise individual capabilities and development needs and support employees in reaching their potential.

·         Promote professional development for Lecturers and staff and strengthen overall organisational capability.

·         Foster constructive working relationships across different functions and levels of the organisation.

·         Demonstrate empathy, self-awareness and adaptability when dealing with people and organisational matters.

·         Provide steady and supportive leadership while having the confidence to make difficult decisions when required.

Educational and Learner Experience

·         Ensure that operational and business priorities support the School's educational objectives.

·         Maintain a strong focus on learner experience, welfare, development and outcomes.

·         Work effectively with academic and teaching teams and demonstrate an understanding of curriculum development, teaching practices and assessment methodologies.

·         Support the continuous enhancement of teaching quality and academic practices.

·         Ensure that appropriate resources are available to support learning and educational outcomes.

·         Encourage continuous professional development among Lecturers and staff.

·         Remain informed of developments in education policy, regulation and the wider learning environment and assess their relevance to the School.

·         Support initiatives that contribute to a positive, effective and sustainable educational environment.

Regional and Cross-Border Development

·         Maintain awareness of developments across regional and global education and commercial environments.

·         Apply a broad international perspective when evaluating organisational opportunities and challenges.

·         Contribute to cross-border commercial activities, partnerships and business development initiatives.

·         Engage effectively with stakeholders across different markets, cultures and business environments.

·         Identify opportunities that may enhance the School's regional and international positioning.

·         Contribute to the continued development and recognition of the School within the wider education landscape.

Candidate Requirements

Academic Qualifications

·         Master's degree in Education, Business Administration or a related discipline.

·         A relevant postgraduate qualification should demonstrate a sound foundation in education, management, business or a related area.

Relevant Professional Background

·         15+ years of relevant professional experience within the education and learning sector, including substantial exposure to senior management and organisational leadership.

·         10+ years of experience with significant financial accountability, including responsibility for business performance, budgeting, resource allocation and overall financial outcomes.

·         5+ years of experience working within cross-border or multinational business environments, with exposure to international operations, commercial activities, partnerships or markets.

Leadership and Management Capabilities

·         Demonstrated ability to provide strategic direction while maintaining effective oversight of day-to-day operations.

·         Strong commercial and financial management capability, with an understanding of business performance and organisational sustainability.

·         Proven ability to lead, develop, motivate and empower teams.

·         Strong decision-making skills, with the confidence to address complex issues and make appropriately calculated business decisions.

·         Ability to manage organisational change, drive improvement and translate strategic objectives into practical outcomes.

·         Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

·         Ability to balance commercial considerations with educational priorities and learner outcomes.

·         Strong understanding of the education environment, including teaching, learning and academic operations.

·         Ability to operate effectively across different cultural, organisational and business environments.