ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to FEA on this appointment.  

Download the Full Appointment Brief here

You’ll join the Fair Education Alliance at a moment when strong, thoughtful operations can unlock even greater impact. This is a new leadership role for someone who wants to build the systems, rhythms and ways of working that help a growing, mission-led organisation run with clarity, confidence and care.

As Head of Operations and Systems, you’ll be the person who sees how the pieces fit together — people, systems, governance, compliance, data and day-to-day operations — and turns that picture into practical solutions that make work better for everyone. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership team, you’ll help create the conditions for colleagues, trustees and members to focus on what matters most: advancing educational equity.

You’ll have real scope to shape how the FEA grows: strengthening HR and people operations, improving the systems colleagues rely on, keeping governance and compliance robust, and bringing structure to complex work without slowing people down. If you like spotting what could work better, bringing people with you, and building foundations that allow others to thrive, this role offers the chance to make a visible difference from day one.

We’re looking for a confident, collaborative operator who combines strategic judgement with the willingness to get into the detail. You’ll be energised by making complex organisations work well, trusted by colleagues because you bring clarity and follow-through, and motivated by the belief that strong people practices, systems and governance are what enable a team to do its best work.

Key dates

The selection process will take place in two rounds. Round one interviews will take place online with members of the hiring team. Candidates invited to second interview will be asked to complete a task in advance, which will be discussed alongside further interview questions at a second in-person interview.

• Applications close: Monday 19 October (9am)

• First round interviews: 29 or 30 October (online)

• Final interviews: 5 or 6 November (in person at the FEA office in London)

• Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed with the successful candidate

If you have any questions based on any aspect of the appointment process or require any additional information, please contact talent@impactedgroup.uk.