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.

How To Apply

Interested applicants can send their CVs and Cover letter directly to jobs@flipperschools.com

Skills (mandatory): Safety Protocols, Environmental Health and Other Engineering

Skills (desired): Ensure proper disposal of waste and recycling according to organizational procedures., • Strong coordination and networking skills, ERP / Procurement Systems

Benefits: Loan, Medical Allowance, Training Opportunities

Languages: ENGLISH

Work experience: 8-12 years

Managerial experience: 8-12 years