Chief Operating Officer (COO) - SPARK Schools at SPARK Schools

Purpose of Role:

The Chief Operating Officer takes direct responsibility for the SPARK Schools operations portfolio while contributing to the development of SPARK’s operating model. The position requires a COO who has a proven track record of successfully running business operations in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) macro-environment.

Responsibilities:

• Oversight of the day to day operational and corresponding administrative functions of the business
• Operationalising SPARK’s business strategy
• Driving cost efficiencies that ensure that tuition remains affordable for SPARK Families
• Business process analysis, design and improvement to facilitate operational excellence
• Standardising, documenting and implementing robust procedures to underpin service delivery
• Driving the effective implementation of SPARK’s academic model in all SPARK primary schools
• Achieving performance outcomes through the implementation of effective talent management and performance management practices
• Embedding and nurturing a values and performance-driven employee culture
• Mitigating key business risks through environmental scanning and the design and implementation of operational controls
• Identifying and negotiating key strategic partnerships to drive efficiency and economies of scale
• Maintaining a consistently high standard of “look & feel” of all SPARK Schools
• Developing marketing and sales capabilities to ensure the sustainable growth of the SPARK Schools network
• Using business analytics to make key tactical decisions that drive results in a rapidly-scaling organisation
• Reporting to board and shareholders on operational metrics and business performance

Qualifications and Criteria:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:

• Post-graduate qualification - business, commerce, marketing, operations or other relevant fields
• 5 to 10 years of experience in executive leadership positions
• Significant experience leading operations in a multi-site organisation
• Understanding of advanced business planning and regulatory issues
• A solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics
• Direct skill or background in areas reporting to this post or in the education industry will be a distinct advantage