Head of Business Operations

Purpose 

The Head of Business Operations provides strategic leadership across all non-academic 

functions — finance, operations, HR, compliance, facilities, health & safety, admissions, and 

systems — ensuring DGPS operates efficiently, sustainably, and safely. 

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role drives long-term operational 

strategy, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance, enabling excellence in 

teaching, learning, and wellbeing consistent with DGPS’s vision of Learning Together, 

Growing Together. 

Key Areas of Responsibility 

1. Strategic Leadership & Safeguarding 

• Act as the Principal’s strategic partner on operational, financial, and compliance 

matters. 

• Lead the development and delivery of a 3- to 5-year business operations plan 

aligned with the School Development Plan and enrolment growth. 

• Provide clear management information, analysis, and KPIs to inform decision

making. 

• Champion a culture of safeguarding, health, safety, and wellbeing across all 

operations. 

• Serve as the Designated Health & Safety Lead, ensuring compliance, training, and 

proactive risk management. 

2. Finance & Business Growth 

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting in line with strategic 

priorities. 

• Oversee revenue collection and debt management, ensuring sound cashflow and 

financial control. 

• Ensure full accountability and transparency in compliance and audit processes 

• Drive income diversification through lettings, sponsorships, and community 

partnerships. 

• Embed ethical, sustainable, and cost-effective procurement and resource allocation. 

3. Admissions & Enrolment Growth 

• Provide strategic oversight of the admissions, enrolment, and re-enrolment 

cycle, ensuring efficiency and exceptional customer experience. 

• Oversee data accuracy and conversion reporting, working closely with the 

Principal, Head of Admissions, and Marketing to meet annual growth targets. 

• Analyse enquiry trends and demographic data to inform strategic marketing and 

capacity planning. 

4. Governance, Risk & Compliance 

• Lead the compliance framework across KHDA, BSO, and UAE statutory 

requirements. 

• Maintain the risk register and business continuity plan, ensuring active mitigation. 

• Oversee data protection and information security (UK GDPR / UAE standards). 

• Ensure safeguarding compliance within all recruitment, operational, and facilities 

processes. 

5. People & Culture 

• Lead and line-manage all non-teaching staff, fostering accountability and 

professional growth. 

• Work with the People & Culture team to strengthen recruitment, onboarding, and 

retention in line with UAE Labour Law. 

• Promote a professional culture of collaboration, wellbeing, and coaching across 

operations teams. 

6. Facilities, Estates & Sustainability 

• Oversee both main and secondary campuses, ensuring facilities are safe, compliant, 

and fit for purpose. 

• Lead environmental and sustainability initiatives aligned to the UN SDGs and DGPS 

Green Vision. 

• Manage service providers (maintenance, transport, catering, security) through 

measurable KPIs. 

7. Systems, Data & Reporting (R & A) 

• Lead the Reporting & Analysis function, ensuring timely, accurate, and actionable 

management information. 

• Drive effective use of systems (iSAMS, Syra, TEP) to enhance data quality and 

efficiency. 

• Develop dashboards that monitor operational performance, compliance, and 

strategic progress. 

• Champion digital transformation to streamline workflows and improve 

transparency. 

Person Specifications 

Qualifications 

• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience. 

• Professional certification (CIMA, CIPD, NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent) desirable. 

Experience 

• Minimum five years’ senior-leadership experience in business, finance, or 

operations, ideally within a British / international school context. 

• Proven success leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and driving 

strategic improvement. 

• Strong knowledge of KHDA, BSO, COBIS, and BSME compliance frameworks. 

Attributes 

• Strategic, solutions-focused leader with sound financial and commercial acumen. 

• Skilled communicator with strong interpersonal and cultural awareness. 

• Committed to inclusion, sustainability, and the DGPS ethos of continuous 

improvement.