Operations Director

The Operations Director at Flipper International School (FIS) is responsible for the physical integrity, safety, and operational continuity of all FIS campuses. This role is not desk-bound; it requires a hands-on leader to manage distributed teams of security and cleaning staff, oversee technical building maintenance, and ensure 100% compliance with Ethiopian OHS regulations. The Operations Manager will be the responsible for our procurement and maintenance schedules.

Key Responsibilities

1. Multi-Site Security & Hygiene Management

Security Oversight:

• Direct management of the security teams across all sites. Implement standardized SOPs for access control, emergency response, and student safeguarding.

Sanitation & Cleaning:

• Oversee cleaning crews and vendors across various sites to maintain high levels of hygiene.

Vendor Performance:

• Manage external service providers, negotiating contracts that optimize service delivery while controlling costs.

2. Technical Maintenance & Asset Integrity

Maintenance Scheduling:

• Draft and execute comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural) for all rented and owned properties.

Technical Knowledge:

• Provide expert oversight on building repairs and renovations, ensuring all campuses meet FIS brand specifications.

Infrastructure Projects:

• Manage small-to-midscale construction or “fit-out” projects as we expand or relocate branches.

3. Compliance & OHS (Occupational Health & Safety)

Regulatory Alignment:

• Ensure every FIS site is fully compliant with Ethiopian OHS regulations and Ministry of Education facility standards.

Risk Audits:

• Conduct regular safety audits, fire drills, and hazard assessments across all sites.

Training:

• Lead OHS training for all support staff to ensure a culture of safety.

4. Procurement & Financial Control

Strategic Procurement:

• Centralize and oversee the procurement of all operational supplies (cleaning chemicals, security tech, maintenance materials) to leverage economies of scale.

Budgetary Oversight:

• Draft the annual operational budget. Implement rigorous budget monitoring to identify variances and execute corrective actions.

Asset Management:

• Maintain a meticulous fixed-asset register across all locations.

Experience & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or a related technical field.

Senior Leadership:

• Minimum 8–12 years of experience, with at least 5 years managing multi-site operations (e.g., hospitality, retail chains, or large-scale education).

Technical Proficiency:

• Demonstrated experience in drafting maintenance blueprints and managing technical teams (electricians, plumbers, etc.).

Local Context:

• Deep knowledge of the Ethiopian Labor Law and OHS regulatory framework.

Required Skills

Strategic Budgeting:

• Ability to translate operational needs into a lean, defensible financial model.

Negotiation:

• Proven track record in vendor management and contract negotiation in the Ethiopian market.

Crisis Management:

• Calm and decisive under pressure (e.g., campus relocations or emergency repairs).

Communication:

• Report monthly to the General Manager.