Head of operations

Queen Elizabeth's Global Schools are an equal opportunities employer and is deeply committed to safeguarding our students, ensuring their safety and wellbeing. We expect all staff and members of our community to share this commitment and to promptly report any concerns about a student's or community member's safety or wellbeing. Applicants must be willing to undergo rigorous child protection screening, including checks with past employers and providing Police Clearance Certificates from all countries that the applicant has resided in.

Job Title: Head of Operations

Function: Administration

Location: Bilaspur, Haryana

The School

At Queen Elizabeth's School, Gurugram, we proudly extend the distinguished legacy of Queen Elizabeth's School, Barnet one of the United Kingdom's most celebrated academic institutions. Founded on centuries of tradition and intellectual rigour, our branch schools uphold an uncompromising commitment to academic excellence, character formation, and cultural enrichment.

Our vision is to cultivate dynamic, world-class learning environments where the next generation of confident, able, and responsible young people are shaped. We challenge our students to think independently, lead with purpose, and embrace a global perspective all within a community that values tradition, discipline, and innovation. By blending the timeless values of our founding school with the opportunities of a rapidly evolving world, we ignite curiosity, inspire ambition, and prepare our students to make meaningful contributions to society as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to lead and deliver operational excellence at Queen Elizabeth's School, Gurugram. This is a rare opportunity to build world-class operational systems from the ground up within a prestigious British international school renowned for academic distinction and holistic development.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and experienced operations leader with a deep understanding of the K-12 international school environment and a proven track record of managing complex, high-quality school operations. You will be responsible for overseeing all non academic functions—including facilities, health and safety, procurement, IT, and compliance ensuring they operate to the highest standards and align with our values and vision.

As a key member of the founding team, you will play a critical role in establishing Queen Elizabeth's School, Gurugram as a benchmark for operational excellence, supporting our growth and ensuring an exceptional experience for students, staff, and families alike.

If you are driven by precision, thrive in a fast-paced, high performance environment, and are passionate about building systems that enable excellence at scale, we would be delighted to

hear from you.

The Role

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement a long-term operational strategy aligned with the school's vision and objectives. Provide guidance and leadership to all operational departments, ensuring their goals support the school's strategic plan. Lead the development and execution of operational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with local regulations and best practices. Advise the Executive Head and Governing Body on operational planning, budget management, and resource allocation.

Financial Oversight

Work closely with the Finance team to prepare and monitor the school's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and efficient resource management. Oversee financial operations, including payroll, procurement, and contracts, ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Identify cost-saving opportunities and manage risk to ensure long term financial stability. Contribute to fee-setting discussions and financial reporting to the Governing Body.

Facilities and Infrastructure Management

Oversee the maintenance, security, and development of all school facilities, ensuring a safe and high-quality environment for students and staff. Collaborate with the Facilities Manager to plan and execute campus improvement projects and ensure regulatory compliance (e.g., health and safety, fire safety). Ensure sustainability initiatives are embedded in facilities management, including energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction. Oversee the use of school facilities for events, both internal and external, ensuring efficient scheduling and operations.

IT and Technology Oversight

Collaborate with the IT Manager to develop and implement the school's IT strategy, ensuring cutting-edge technology supports teaching, learning, and administration. Oversee the maintenance and security of IT systems, including data protection compliance (GDPR or equivalent). Ensure staff and students have access to reliable and effective technological resources. Lead projects related to digital transformation and innovation.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management

Oversee the school's health and safety policies and ensure compliance with all local and national regulations. Collaborate with the Health and Safety Officer to conduct risk assessments, safety audits, and emergency planning. Ensure the school provides a secure environment for students, staff, and visitors. Manage the school's response to critical incidents, ensuring efficient resolution and communication.

Transport and Catering

Oversee school transport services, ensuring safety, efficiency, and punctuality in operations. Manage the school's catering services, ensuring high standards of food quality, nutrition, and hygiene. Lead initiatives to improve sustainability and environmental responsibility in transport and catering.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relationships

Represent the school in interactions with vendors, contractors, regulatory bodies, and external partners. Act as a point of contact for parent and community concerns related to operational matters. Contribute to marketing efforts by ensuring operational excellence enhances the school's reputation. Collaborate with the admissions team to ensure operational readiness for prospective families and events.

The Person

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field (Master's degree preferred). Significant leadership experience in operations, facilities, or administration, preferably within a school or educational environment. Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning. Knowledge of health and safety regulations, employment law, and compliance requirements. Experience managing large and diverse teams across multiple departments.

Personal Qualities

An understanding of working in a multicultural environment and promoting inclusivity. Flexible and calm under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

'QE is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced background verification.'