Head of Operations

Founded in 2016 Think Ahead Education is an innovative educational company operating through three distinct brands: Think Ahead Academy Virtus College and IB Wave. We have helped thousands of students achieve their academic goals in the British and international education markets. Our core principles of excellence personalisation and innovation have propelled us to become a leading player in the sector with a clear mission to solidify our position as the most prestigious academic institution in Spain.

All our brands have experienced remarkable growth driven by a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement. Our central team operates within an intimate highly autonomous environment fostering strong individual responsibility and long-term commitment. As we move towards professionalization we seek a leader who can embrace our values maintain our standards of excellence and guide us through new opportunities over the next decade.

About the role:

The role of Head of Operations at Think Ahead Education is the second highest position of responsibility within the company after the Managing conjunction with this figure your main objective will be to holistically manage all aspects of the business driving forward the vision of every brand and enhancing the reputation we have built for ourselves over the past 10 years.

Whilst the Managing Director is more focused on structural aspects of the business like finances processes policies and new lines of growth the role of the Head of Operations is heavily focused on day to day operations. The role entails direct leadership over the two brands Think Ahead Academy and IB Wave. The brands and services are managed by a central team that cover all the main departments in an educational company - Marketing Human Resources Sales Administration Coordination Finance and Educational departments. As Head of Operations you will directly manage a lot of aspects of the central team with a particular focus on Sales and Marketing. These two departments are connected through this role which is heavily focused on customer experience performance and efficiency as the main indicators of success.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management

• Lead by example ensuring that the ethos and values of Think Ahead Education are preserved and enhanced.
• Promote an atmosphere of trust respect support and friendliness throughout the company.
• Maintain and enhance the companys reputation contributing to its mission of being at the forefront of developments in education.
• Work with the governance team and Managing Director to design and implement a strategic plan for the academic year.
• Develop and maintain an organisational flow with all company employees ensuring through weekly global and individual meetings deadlines are met and communication is effective across all departments.
• Take global responsibility for every departments objectives whilst delegating effectively and promoting an atmosphere of individual responsibility.
• Maintain and enhance the educational standards established by each brand extending from recruitment approaches to in-class best practices.
• Provide support to all staff members to ensure appropriate wellbeing and a unified direction.
• Act as an ambassador for the parent community maintaining regular links with parents to ensure they are well informed and aware of the activities the company carries out.

Company Operations

• Organise the team in the fulfilment of the processes and projects associated with the brands and services ensuring deadlines and standards are met.
• Design and supervise the execution of the departmental calendars.
• Ensure an effective human material and financial allocation to the needs of every brand.
• Design and execute quality assurance processes for the different departments and projects making sure that our standards of excellence are maintained.
• Act as a point of contact between the different stakeholders supporting the team in cases of escalation and conflict management with internal and external stakeholders.
• Design and supervise onboarding processes for students teachers and parents.

Sales and Marketing

• Design and coordinate the overall brand strategies in Sales and Marketing taking ultimate responsibility for the commercial success of our services and retention of clients year on year.
• Direct the Sales department efforts coordinating the team in the different annual projects spanning from sales initiatives to client relationship management.
• Lead and manage the Marketing team in the completion of departmental projects and initiatives including digital strategy events and budget allocations.
• Ensure great coordination between the Marketing and Sales departments coordinating the different teams for a unified strategy.

Administration Coordination IT and HR

• Communicate effectively with the Administration department to ensure effective billing of company services and salary payments.
• Coordinate with the Coordination manager to ensure the logistical nuances of agreements with clients and teachers are dealt with effectively.
• Manage the IT Departments efforts ensuring all company processes run smoothly and incorporating state of the art practices.
• Control teacher needs as client demands arise coordinating with the HR department to allocate teachers to services.
• Be on top of teacher hiring processes participating in the design of HR procedures and quality assurance and acting as a point of contact for issues with current teachers.

Required Skills:

• A dynamic and inspiring individual with strong leadership capabilities and a passion for education committed to maximising student potential and delivering outstanding results.
• Proven solid work ethic excellent team-building abilities and a proven track record of working collaboratively with governance teams to implement strategic visions.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential with the ability to confidently engage with staff pupils and parents as well as speak publicly with ease.
• Organisational efficiency and time management are key alongside a deep empathy with the values and ethos of Think Ahead Education.
• We value individuals who are energetic engaging and bring a sense of humour as well as a genuine willingness to be actively involved in all aspects of our business community.

Essential and Desirable Requirements:

• A recognised university degree and have proven experience in a senior leadership role within the education sector.
• Native level spoken and written Spanish and English is essential.
• Candidates must possess an up-to-date criminal record check and
• Have the legal right to work in Spain; however the company is prepared to assist with the necessary paperwork if required.

A desirable background would include experience within the British or International Baccalaureate (IB) system as a former student or through professional work in a related institution or company.

General Characteristics:

This is a full-time on-site leadership position with a permanent contract Monday to Friday starting in April 2026. The role offers a competitive annual salary from the outset with a notable salary progression and an attractive performance-based bonus package.

Benefits:

• Private medical insurance for comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Wellhub subscription to support your physical and mental wellbeing
• Sodexo card for everyday spending on food.
• Free school lunches available if desired

This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative and expanding educational group with strong values a collaborative environment and excellent conditions for professional and personal growth.

More information about this position will be handed out upon application