About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 17 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.
About the Schools - North Bridge House & Alleyn's
Cognita has entered into a Partnership with Alleyn's School's Group to create two leading independent day schools in North London.
Alleyn's, is South London's finest coeducational day school, consistently placed within the top London schools for academic achievement and a finalist in both the TES and Independent School of the Year awards in 2024.
Cognita's flagship London School, North Bridge House, has campuses in Canonbury, Hampstead and Regent's Park. The Regent's Park and Hampstead campuses will become part of the Alleyn's Schools Group. Alleyn's Regent's Park will open in September 2025 and Alleyn's Hampstead in September 2026. With North Bridge House Canonbury remaining under the NBH name.
Regent's Park Prep is located in a historic, former convent on the edge of Regent's Park and educates children aged 4-13. Currently preparing for 11+ and 13+ entry with an expectation that it becomes an 11+ centre of excellence from September 2026, the school draws pupils from across North London from Finchley to Chelsea and Wembley to Hackney and is very well connected with Camden Town on the northern line just a five-minute walk away.
The schools now have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join our fantastic teams helping to support and manage operations across all sites.
About the role
As the most senior non-academic member of staff, you will take full accountability for all aspects of the school's 'back office' operations. Sitting on the School Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will establish strong and purposeful relationships with various stakeholders, including school-based colleagues, headteachers, parents, and Pod and SSC colleagues. Your role is crucial in ensuring the safe, smooth, and efficient running of the school, allowing teachers and academic staff to focus on delivering an outstanding holistic education.
Collaborating with finance colleagues in the central team, you will inform and track school budgets, while observing core finance processes related to reporting, invoicing, and debt collection. You will ensure the school meets all regulatory requirements and that the buildings and facilities are up to standard, clean, safe, and fit for purpose. Leading projects aimed at generating additional revenue through the utilisation of school spaces and facilities, such as sports facilities or buildings, will be part of your responsibilities. You will support people-related issues and questions, guided by the central HR team, including managing pre-employment checks for staff and contractors.
Additionally, you will oversee the local implementation of projects impacting school operations, such as IT system upgrades, student and staff device management, and people initiatives. As a business partner to the Headteacher, you will handle all operational matters and work with the Pod Finance Manager to ensure adherence to the budget. Your efforts will be directed towards delivering improved commercial performance through organic growth and operational excellence strategies.
To view the full job description, pleaseclick here .
Who we are looking for
The ideal candidate will possess excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, enabling them to deliver accurate and clear communications in writing, face-to-face, or by telephone. They should have the ability and presence to be proactive, work on their own initiative with limited supervision, and manage concurrent projects and priorities.
A strong sense of commerciality is essential, allowing them to make decisions by weighing costs and benefits. The ability to plan, organise, and prioritise a heavy workload is crucial, along with proficiency in applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. You should have a successful track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams with a commercial and operational focus. Previous experience working across multiple sites with various stakeholders and within a school or complex organization is highly desirable.
Other essential attributes include evidence of continuing professional development, a mindset focused on quality, continual improvement, and customer service, and a solution-oriented approach with a can-do attitude.
Benefits at Cognita
• Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
• Aviva Pension Scheme
• Free lunch provided during Term Time
• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• School fee discount
• Exclusive third-party discounts
• Professional Development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is:Sunday 18th May 2025.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.