Director of Operations
Application Pack
Deadline: 24 October 2016
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Dear candidate,
Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Operations. This is a new role in a rapidly
growing, ambitious, mission-driven organisation. The successful candidate will drive our strategic,
operational and financial planning, and champion innovation and excellence across the
organisation, to maximise our impact on mathematics achievement.
You will bring experience in scaling an organisation, playing a key role in an executive management
team, and developing a performance culture among a group of diverse, talented individuals. You will
also have the skills and experience needed to manage operational and procedural change, from
proposal through to execution.
You will have a deep understanding of the strategic impact of financial management, planning and
control. You will have a track record of building and leading successful, highly-skilled teams.
Communication skills are essential and you will have the necessary leadership presence and influence
to work effectively with our boards, senior executives and stakeholders.
Mathematics Mastery is a non-profit organisation within the Ark family, on track to become an
independent charity from 2018. We work in partnership with schools to embed a mastery approach
to mathematics teaching, aiming to improve pupils’ understanding, enjoyment and attainment in
maths. Our approach is based on international research and best practice, inspired by Singapore
and Shanghai. Originally established as an Ark UK Programme in 2011, we have grown over the last
five years from supporting 30 schools to over 360. We now work with 3,200 teachers who teach over
90,000 pupils with lessons designed and developed by us. The ‘mastery’ concept has gained
significant prominence during this time and we are now looking to significantly accelerate growth in
order to meet national demand.
To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter to
[email protected], quoting ‘Director of Operations’ in the subject line, by
12.00pm on 24 October 2016. First round interviews will be held on Thursday 3rd
November. Please let us know in your application if you foresee any issue with this date.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Helen Drury
Founder and Executive Director
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Our vision
For every child to enjoy and succeed in mathematics, regardless of background.
Our mission
To transform mathematics education in the UK. We work in partnership to empower and
equip schools to deliver world-class mathematics teaching.
Our values
Partnership: We collaborate – across our teams and with our schools – to learn from each
other, increase our effectiveness and make the greatest collective difference.
Excellence: We strive to be the best in our field and are committed to producing high
quality, evidence-based work.
Compassion: We care about one another, are mindful of wellbeing and show empathy. We
encourage a positive and energetic working environment.
Growth-mindset: We are dynamic and focus on progress and continual improvement.
We strongly believe in achievement for all.
Innovative: Our work is transformative and pioneering. We establish and promote new
ideas; challenging the status-quo in order to bring about lasting change.
Purposeful: We are dedicated to making a positive difference in mathematics education.
We are passionate about mathematics and the role of teachers, and we have unity of
purpose.
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Job Description: Director of Operations
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: £60k - £80k depending on experience and qualifications
Start date: As soon as possible
Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Holborn, London
Purpose of role
The Director of Operations will oversee Mathematics Mastery’s financial and operational
functions and create the conditions for us to grow our partnership of schools and move
towards independence. As well as ensuring that practical arrangements are in place, the
Director of Operations will create the conditions that help an expanding and geographically
spread team retain a clear focus on the mission, vision and values of the charity.
Reporting to and partnering with the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will
define the process and implement the infrastructure/systems needed to support substantial
growth over the next five to ten years. The successful candidate will have responsibility for
the leadership and development of our administrative systems, including financial,
accounting, governance and compliance, information technology (IT), data systems, office
management and human resources (HR). This includes managing internal or externally
contracted operations and finance staff, as well as making decisions about the future
provision of our finance, HR and IT functions.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Management
Be accountable for financial management, control and reporting
Lead our annual budget-setting process, engaging team and functional areas and
ensuring our budget process is efficient and well managed
Own our medium- and long- term organisational financial model, leading on overall
financial forecasting across our organisation working closely with the Head of Business
Development and other colleagues to ensure Mathematics Mastery’s long-term financial
stability
Lead development of and ensure compliance with wider finance policies and procedures
across the organisation
Following independence, be accountable for the preparation of our annual financial
accounts and liaison with external auditors
Lead the sourcing, negotiation and execution of all relevant contacts and pricing with
third party providers
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Business and support operations
Develop and manage direct and indirect reports, setting clear objectives and ensuring staff
remain motivated and committed to promoting the aims of Mathematics Mastery.
Be accountable for ensuring that all business and support operations – including HR, IT,
finance, data systems, legal support and office management - are performed efficiently and
effectively, ensuring a nimble, entrepreneurial approach that supports high performance.
Contribute to a culture of curiosity and enthusiasm for gaining and applying insights. This will
result in staff across the organisation using data to continually improve programme performance
and impact
Leadership and governance
Manage the annual planning process ensuring that appropriate goals are set and understood,
that resources are in place and that risks to these plans are identified, managed and mitigated
Be accountable for setting and co-ordinating the financial and operational aspects of the annual
and strategic business plans and setting and measuring appropriate business objectives and
targets.
Provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections, cost
identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis
Be accountable for the effective governance of the charity including compliance with all
appropriate regulatory, legislative and external reporting requirements.
Stakeholder management
• Build a network of contacts that affords Mathematics Mastery access to the best
advice and standards of excellence in an operational environment.
• Build sustainable relationships with corporate partners and funders to secure
financial and in-kind support
• Produce reports and updates for board members to ensure they are informed of key
developments and that their expertise is brought to bear at and between formal
meetings
Please note this job description is subject to change. With any significant change we will
ensure this is discussed with you before any final approvals and or commitments. This job
description does not form part of your contract of employment. You may be required by
the organisation to undertake any duties within your skills and capabilities which the
organisation reasonably considers necessary to meet business needs.
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Person Specification
Qualifications
• Educated to degree level (MA/MBA preferred).
• Accountancy qualifications are desirable but not essential; more important is proven
experience in a senior leadership role for a business or charity.
Experience, knowledge and skills
• Experience of overseeing the operations of a limited company or charity, including
legal, audit, compliance, budget, and resource development.
• Proven effectiveness leading professionals in finance and accounting, with a strong
handle on accounting fundamentals and a well-developed understanding of the
strategic impact of financial management and control.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to
quickly assimilate and interpret financial and non-financial data and turn it into
strategic advice.
• Experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model.
• A proven track record of developing and driving through efficiencies, and challenging
ways of working.
• A proven track record of initiating and promoting innovation and developing
business opportunities.
• A well-developed understanding of the importance of key performance metrics in the
analysis of an organisation’s success, and experience of developing and maintaining
such metrics through a system such as the balanced score card.
• A proven track record in designing, developing and sustaining stakeholder
relationships across a complex and challenging environment that has resulted in
strategic alliances.
• Technologically savvy, with an ability to point to examples of having worked with IT
staff to develop and implement effective processes and systems.
• A proven track record of building and leading successful and highly skilled teams,
specialising in the range of operations that support an organisation that operates
within a complex environment.
• An understanding or the opportunities and challenges of working in the nonprofit
sector is essential, but direct work experience is not.
Attributes
• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for Mathematics
Mastery’s vision, mission and values.
• A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality.
• Able to probe, challenge and question appropriately, strive for continual
improvement, with the confidence and experience to make commercial judgements.
• Highly developed communication and inter-personal skills.
• Ability to multi-task and re-prioritise workload quickly while at the same time
supporting direct reports.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced, ambitious organisation that is constantly changing.
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Training and professional development
We are committed to the professional development of all members of the Mathematics
Mastery team. As Mathematics Mastery is part of the Ark family, staff also benefit from the
Ark training and professional development programmes. We also encourage staff at all
stages of their career to take advantage of international visits and opportunities across the
network.
Other staff benefits
Alongside our continued focus on professional development, we also offer a variety of other
benefits which help our employees plan their finances and look after their wellbeing.
•
GymFlex: Save up to 40% at your local gym
•
Discount scheme: Employees can access up to £1,000 in savings a year from
over 3,000 major retailers
•
Interest Free Loans: We offer employees up to £5,000 in interest free loans
for season ticket or bicycle purchases
•
Childcare Vouchers: All employees are eligible for tax free childcare vouchers
as part of a salary sacrifice scheme
•
Healthcare: A low cost plan that gives you money back towards the cost of your
optical bills, dental costs and consultations
Equality and diversity
Mathematics Mastery is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all staff. We
encourage a diverse workforce and aim to provide a working environment where all staff, at
all levels, are valued and respected. Discrimination, bullying, promotion of negative
stereotyping and harassment are not tolerated.
To that end, we will not discriminate on grounds of gender, gender identity, race, disability,
sexual orientation, religion or belief, age, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and
maternity, caring responsibilities, part-time working, or any other factor irrelevant to a
person’s work.
Mathematics Mastery’s HR procedures (for example, for recruitment and selection, staff
appraisals and career progression) are based on an assessment of an individual’s ability and
their suitability for the work. We are committed to providing all staff with opportunities to
maximise their skills and achieve their potential, offering flexible working arrangements
wherever possible.
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Safe recruitment procedure
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and
screen out unsuitable applicants. This process is outlined below, but can be provided in
more detail if requested.
Disclosure
We require all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before
appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under
the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead
to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not
necessarily debar you from employment; this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s)
and when they occurred.
Shortlisting and Interview Process
• A limited number of candidates who meet the specification criteria will be invited to
take part in an in-depth interview (some roles will be subject to a two-part interview
process).
• Candidates will be asked to address any discrepancies, anomalies or gaps in their
application form.
Reference checking
References from the previous and current employer will be taken up for shortlisted
candidates, and where necessary employers may be contacted to gather further information.
Probation
All new staff will be subject to a probation period of six months (which may, in certain
circumstances, be extended by up to 10 weeks). The probation period is a trial period, to
enable the assessment of an employee’s suitability for the job for which they have been
employed. It provides us with the opportunity to monitor and review the performance of
new staff in relation to various areas, but also in terms of their commitment to safeguarding
and relationships with young people.
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