Operations Manager

ROLE SUMMARY:

Northfields International School is a premier independent co-educational day school in Mauritius that provides an English-medium education for over 1300 boys and girls aged between 18 months and 18 years.  Northfields is well known for its traditional values, family atmosphere, and sustained emphasis on the holistic development of each student. Excellence and leadership skills are fostered through their rigorous programme of academic study combined with dynamic and varied extracurricular activities and service as action programmes. Northfields is committed to inspiring our diverse learning community to make a positive impact as active global citizens.

The Northfields campus in Labourdonnais is situated on owned freehold property and incorporates numerous subject classrooms, dedicated science labs, computer suites, art studios, a design and Special Education Needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support room.  Northfields offers internationally recognised educational programmes and qualifications for Cambridge and the International Baccalaureate. The curriculum progression in the school begins with Regio Emelia Pre-Nursery, followed by the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Students from the Primary School may progress to Secondary School, where they follow the 5-year Cambridge curriculum in Years 7-11, culminating with the Cambridge IGCSE examination at the end of Year 11.  Students in Sixth Form then follow the 2-year IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Cambridge A level.

Apart from being an authorised IB World School, the quality of Northfields is further bolstered through the school’s accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and membership with the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). Northfields is registered and licensed in Mauritius with the Ministry of Gender Equality & Welfare for our Pre-Nursery, with the Early Childhood Care and Education Authority (ECCEA) and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources for the Primary School and the Private Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) for our Secondary School. 

Northfields is seeking an Operations Manager responsible for facilities management, health and safety, the canteen, the school shop, and the procurement department. The incumbent must be highly organised and able to optimise the use of space and equipment while effectively reducing operating costs. Strong leadership skills and exceptional efficiency will distinguish the successful candidate. The overall goal is to ensure that campus facilities remain safe, fully functional, and problem-free, enabling employees to work in an optimal environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Liaise with public utilities to ensure water and electrical services are operational across all campuses and monitor utility bills to remain within budget, reporting any concerns to the Executive Head and Regional Head of Operations
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and oversee the Facilities Team in creating maintenance schedules and routines for cleaning, premises, and grounds staff to ensure hygiene, safety, and upkeep.
• Oversee the upkeep of playing fields, gardens, surfaces, boundaries, footpaths, and roads.
• Supervise the letting of campus facilities to external organisations and staff, ensuring high customer satisfaction.
• Oversee the school’s health and safety regulations in collaboration with the Safety and Health Officer, including first aid, emergency supplies, and safe premises maintenance. Coordinate with the Fire Service to maintain fire alarm and firefighting systems, supervise drills, and ensure compliance with safety logs. 
• Oversee all aspects of campus risk management, including risk assessments and audits.
• Manage planned and ad hoc maintenance of premises and equipment, including safety checks. Liaise with external contractors, determining whether maintenance should be in-house or outsourced, and assist in contract selection with the Leadership Team.
• Act as the client-side liaison with contractors, contributing to specifications, monitoring, and minor contract administration.
• Ensure safe and efficient operation of mechanical, electrical, and heating systems, including annual testing and monitoring of equipment and meter readings.
• Oversee the procurement department, the canteen (ensuring compliance and adequate food provision), and the school shop, collaborating with the Marketing Department on the design of uniforms and sports gear.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Engineering, Building/Facilities Management, Surveying, or related field.
• Senior-level knowledge of CDM regulations, property management, and maintenance, with experience managing a team.
• Strong understanding of the legal and financial aspects of estate management, with the ability to control costs without compromising service quality.
• Ability to address difficult issues and make challenging decisions, particularly regarding staffing and finances.
• Skilled in problem-solving, change management, and driving organisational improvements.
• Excellent communication, planning, and project management skills.
• Financial planning, budget management, and negotiation expertise.
• Flexible, with occasional work outside core hours.
• Proficient in IT, including Microsoft Office (Excel and Word).

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.