Interim Head of Business & OperationsSpecialist SEND School | Haringey | October – December 2026 | Full-Time

Tara Professional Recruitment are supporting a specialist SEND school in Haringey with the appointment of an experienced Interim Head of Business & Operations for a fixed-term assignment from October to December 2026.

This is a senior operational position for an individual with a strong background across finance, facilities/estates and HR. A SEND or education background is not essential — the priority is finding an experienced operations professional who can confidently take ownership of the school's business and operational functions.

The Role

The Interim Head of Business & Operations will provide senior oversight across the school's key operational areas, ensuring the organisation continues to run effectively throughout the interim period.

Responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the management and oversight of financial budgets
• Monitoring expenditure and supporting effective financial planning
• Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organisation
• Providing leadership and oversight across operational teams
• Supporting senior leadership with complex HR cases
• Sitting in on HR meetings and providing appropriate operational oversight
• Overseeing the facilities and estates function
• Managing and supporting the facilities/estates team
• Ensuring the building and site remain safe, functional and well maintained
• Overseeing maintenance, contractors and building-related requirements
• Identifying and resolving operational issues
• Ensuring effective communication across business, HR, facilities and operational teams
• Providing confident leadership and decision-making across the organisation

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a strong operations professional who can step into a senior position and quickly take ownership of multiple business functions.

You may currently be working as a:

• Head of Business & Operations
• Head of Operations
• Operations Director / Senior Operations Manager
• School Business Manager
• Business Manager
• Facilities/Estates Manager with wider operational responsibility
• Senior Business & Administration Manager

SEND experience is not required. Candidates from education, healthcare, charities, commercial organisations, professional services or other complex operational environments will all be considered.

What matters is demonstrable experience across operations, finance, facilities/estates and HR.

You will need:

• Strong operational leadership experience
• Experience managing or overseeing financial budgets
• Strong facilities, estates or building management experience
• Experience overseeing teams
• Confidence supporting complex HR matters
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills
• The ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions
• A calm, professional and pragmatic approach
• The ability to quickly understand existing systems and take responsibility

Working Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 4:00pm

This is a fully on-site position in Haringey, with the successful candidate expected to be present on site throughout the working week.

Recruitment & Placement Process

The appointment will follow a structured recruitment process:

1. Formal Interview

Shortlisted candidates will attend a formal interview.

2. Set Task Assignment

Candidates progressing through the interview stage will complete a set task designed to assess their suitability for the role.

3. Start Date

Subject to successfully completing the recruitment process and full vetting checks, the successful candidate will agree a start date with the school.

Contract Details

Position: Interim Head of Business & Operations

Location: Haringey, North London

Contract: Interim / Fixed Term

Duration: October – December 2026

Hours: 7:30am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday

Working Arrangement: Fully on-site

SEND Experience: Not required

Start: October 2026, subject to full vetting

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Head of Business & Operations or senior Operations professional to take on a varied interim leadership position with responsibility across finance, HR, facilities, estates and day-to-day operations.

If you have the operational experience to step into a senior position and make an immediate impact, Tara Professional Recruitment would love to hear from you.

Click Apply today or contact Tara Professional Recruitment for further information