School Director

Manchester

Full-Time

EF Manchester is searching for an entrepreneurial, self-motivated and hands on leader to organize and manage the setup, quality and growth of its International Language Campus.

Careers at EF | Open the world with us

EF Education First’s mission is opening the world through education. A career with EF combines the support and opportunity of a large international organisation, with the spirit and energy of a small business. We look for thinkers and doers – creative, collaborative, and motivated people who are excited by education, communication, and travel.

When you join EF, you join a multicultural and diverse community working across more than 600 schools and offices in 50 countries. In the UK and Ireland, our core presence is felt at our international language campuses and summer schools, where we welcome students from around the world to participate in language learning and cultural exchange. Whoever you are, whatever you are passionate about—we welcome you and encourage you to open the world through education.

Your Role

You will be responsible for the overall running of our language campus and managing a team of up to 40 office, accommodation, activity, student services and teaching staff.

While you will take full ownership for running this operation, a central team of operations managers will support you. As we are working in a very fast-paced environment, we are looking for a self-starter who can apply their previous knowledge and experience to continue the successful growth and development of the school.

Requirements

• 5 years’ experience as a senior manager running a team of no less than 20 staff
• Ability to guide, develop, inspire and motivate teams
• Proven track record in effective recruitment and HR
• Relentless focus on customer service and quality
• Successful results in inspections or accreditations
• Ability to manage a budget and work within its parameters
• Operational experience (education sector desired, but not essential)
• Global or international work experience desired
• A model of quality & professionalism
• Commitment to the highest standards of welfare provision
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage difficult situations & remain calm under pressure
• Excellent cross-cultural communication, people and conflict resolution skills
• Strong, confident decision maker
• Ability and desire to combine big picture and detailed oriented thinking to drive a successful business, improvement and growth
• Entrepreneurial spirit, comfort with a fast paced environment
• University graduate required; C2 level proficiency in spoken and written English, other languages are an advantage
• Right to work in the UK
• Clean DBS check and 2 references required

Responsibilities

• Ensures best practices are followed at all times complying with EF policy, British Council/ISI accreditation and UKVI criteria
• To be an inspirational, fun, forward thinking and dynamic leader for the team
• To ensure that all staff are empowered in their positions, effectively managed, monitored and continually developed
• Goal setting and reaching an established set of objectives and KPI’s
• To analyse and understand cost drivers to ensure profitability and student happiness
• To grow revenue and service net areas in campus
• To manage capacity and budget and work successfully within those parameters
• Responsible for the health, safety, welfare and duty of care of all students and staff
• Ensure customer service is exemplary, and student feedback targets are met
• Ensure follow up of customer suggestions, issues, complaints and disciplinary matters to satisfactory and timely resolutions
• To monitor and manage the residential and homestay provision capacity to accommodate seasonal and year-on-year growth
• Maintain building, facilities and student residence to a high standard to ensure customer satisfaction
• Negotiate effectively with suppliers
• Liaise with a worldwide network of sales offices to assist them in meeting their sales objectives and responsibilities towards students
• Ensure that in-school sales are being efficiently managed and maximised, improving strategies to ensure that set targets are being met and exceeded
• Liaise with concession holder and external suppliers to ensure that the facilities meet agreed standards
• Position is full-time and will require some weekend work at certain times of year
• Shared emergency phone duties are part of the role

Why you will enjoy working with EF

• Continuous professional development for all staff
• Work in a truly international environment
• Regular social events
• Ambition is nurtured and fast-tracked career enhancement opportunities are provided
• Staff are encouraged to innovate, take ownership of their ideas and bring them to fruition
• Global career opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Private health insurance
• Life insurance
• Access to EF Hello language learning

----------------------------------

EF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. References will be followed up and will ask specifically whether there is any reason that the applicant should not be engaged in situations where they have responsibility for, or substantial access to, persons under 18. Upon interview all gaps in CVs must be explained satisfactorily and proof of identity and, where applicable, qualifications will be required. Appropriate suitability checks will be required prior to confirmation of appointment.

EF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, identity, parental status, experience, and everything else that makes you unique.