Director of Operations - Global Education Organisation #0209

Our client is an internationally respected education organisation with a strong reputation for excellence, a presence across several countries, and a culture that is both values-led and performance-driven. As they continue to expand and move through an important phase of operational modernisation and standardisation, they are seeking an experienced operational leader to support this next stage of growth.

An opportunity has arisen for a Director of Operations to join the Regional Management Team and assume responsibility for all non-academic operations across the EU region. This is a broad senior leadership appointment encompassing oversight of facilities, health and safety, IT, communications, transport, security, and transformation initiatives.

Working closely with the Regional Managing Director, the successful candidate will be instrumental in defining and executing regional operational strategy, embedding consistent ways of working across campuses, and leading business-wide organisational and cultural change. The role offers significant scope to influence how the regional platform evolves and scales over time.

Essential

• Willingness to travel regularly across 7 EU countries
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and manage stakeholders across complex, matrixed organisations
• Relevant tertiary qualification in business, accounting, finance, or a related field
• Knowledge spanning facilities management, IT, communications, procurement, WHS, transport, and governance, risk & compliance
• A hands-on leadership style with genuine comfort leading change
• Demonstrated commercial and financial acumen, including budget management, business planning, and risk analysis
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a comparable senior operational leadership position, with a proven record of achievement and growth, ideally gained within the education sector
• Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to think laterally and deliver effectively in complex environments
• Very high level of fluency in English
• High-level communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across cultures and at all levels of an organisation

Preferred

• Background in managing organisational change and multi-deliverable projects with shifting timelines
• Experience working within an English-speaking organisational environment
• French and German language skills would be advantageous
• Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment managing multiple competing priorities
• Familiarity with Donesafe or similar WHS management platforms

• Opportunity to build and shape your own team from the ground up
• Executive Assistant will be provided
• Additional benefits negotiable
• Paid leave in accordance with local country regulations
• Performance bonus
• Competitive base salary of €110,000–€150,000

Why This Role?

This opportunity offers the chance to join a global organisation with a clear sense of purpose, a strong people-centric culture, and a genuine commitment to excellence. It is a high-impact leadership role suited to an individual who enjoys driving change, building structure, and contributing meaningfully within a multicultural environment. For a commercially minded and hands‑on operator looking to make a lasting contribution, this role presents both challenge and long‑term opportunity.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy – France / European Union

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Reasonable Accommodations: Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and other protected needs in accordance with applicable laws. Where appropriate, we engage in an interactive process to identify suitable accommodations that enable individuals to participate fully in the recruitment and employment process.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used solely to assist human recruiters in reviewing candidate information and identifying relevant qualifications. AI systems are not used to make final hiring decisions or automatically reject candidates. All recruitment decisions are made by qualified human professionals, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with applicable laws.

Note: This job posting may relate to a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The identity of the employer will be confirmed during the recruitment process. Employment conditions and legal requirements may vary depending on the employing organization and the country where the role is located.