Social network you want to login/join with:Location: London (or within a commutable distance, flexibility available for the right candidate in surrounding areas)Contract: Full-Time, PermanentReports to: Chief Executive OfficerSalary: Competitive + Company car or car allowance + Performance BonusAbout Busy BeesBusy Bees are a global leader in early years education. We’re a values-driven organisation built on care, quality, service and people. With over 1000 centres globally, and ambitious growth plans in the UK and Europe, there’s never been a more exciting time to join our leadership team.We’re now looking for a proven senior operations leader to take on a pivotal role within our UK leadership team as Operations Director, with responsibility for driving performance across a large, high-profile region that includes our London centres.About the roleAs Operations Director, you will be accountable for the overall performance, quality, compliance, and leadership of multiple early years education centres. This is a strategic and delivery-focused role that will work closely with the CEO and wider UK and European leadership team to drive growth, performance and transformation across your region.What you will doLead and inspire a team of senior operational leaders across a portfolio of centresEnsure operational excellence, safeguarding, compliance, and high-quality education deliveryBe accountable for regional PandL, budget delivery and resource optimisationDrive performance across occupancy, compliance, engagement and profitabilityShape and implement initiatives across employee engagement, retention and talent developmentScope and support the rollout of tech solutions, new processes and acquisition integrationsCollaborate cross-functionally with HR, LandD, Finance, and IT to deliver best-in-class servicesAct as a change leader, embedding a culture of high performance, care, and continuous improvementWho We''re Looking ForWe are looking for a

high-performing individual

who is either currently operating at this level or above but ready to progress into a more complex, fast-paced, and high-growth environment.Someone highly commercial, people-focused, and operationally rigorous. You’ll be confident making decisions at pace, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and delivering measurable results across a large, dispersed, service-based organisation.Substantial leadership experience at Operations Director/COO levelDemonstrated success managing multi-site teams and senior direct reportsBackground in retail, healthcare, childcare or other regulated service environmentsStrong understanding of the London market including cost dynamics, workforce supply, and customer expectationsProven experience leading transformation and strategic initiativesStrong track record in budget ownership, financial performance, and KPI deliveryKey capabilitiesExceptional leadership and coaching skills, you get the best from your peopleA commercial mind, with a strong grasp of cost, value and performance leversData-driven decision making and proven experience using insights to drive changeExcellent communicator, able to engage at every level from frontline teams to BoardStrategic thinker with operational discipline and attention to detailPassion for early years education, safeguarding, and improving outcomes for children.Flexible approach to working hours, including travel across the UK and occasional European visitsIf you''re ready to bring your experience to a purpose-led, high-impact leadership role we want to hear from you!

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