Country Manager Italy

Country Manager - Italy supports the Regional Managing Director (RMD) in driving the operational growth performance and achievement of the Schools of Choice vision of the region, providing leadership and direction to a team of heads of school , ensuring the smooth daily management of operations .

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• E nsure that school resource planning and financial management align with effective decision making in our schools.
• Monitor monthly EBITDA achievements and propose corrective measures to RMD if needed.

Operations

• Provide hands-on support to schools in problem-solving and offer guidance on relevant issues.
• E nsure effective compliance with all relevant legislation, including but not limited to Health and Safety, in partnership with HR and Facilities functional heads.
• N egotiate with current and prospective providers to improve and ensure all suppliers are providing good services to our schools.
• E valuate and understand risks within our schools and to ensure our schools maintain an effective system of risk management, taking actions as appropriate to reduce and mitigate risk.
• E nsure that all our schools adhere consistently to the requirements of the national and/or regional educational legislation, acting in the best interest of ISP.

Leadership

• L ead the improvement and development of services that drive effective customer-focused outcomes, compliant with legislative and statutory requirements, that meet and exceed the needs of our employees, parents, and students.
• D evelop and maintain productive working relationships and effective communication with school landlords enabling ISP to facilitate our school strategies and development plans.
• W ithin the region, promote and build positive and fruitful connections with other independent schools, national associations, town halls and regional governments.
• Recognize where change is needed and embrace and create an enthusiasm for change across our region, working effectively with others to develop creative and innovative solutions.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Education background preferred but not essential, however strong senior management experience, including experience leading in a decentralized business is critical .
• Excellent commercial and financial acumen with experience of successfully delivering operational plans and driving growth and the ability to analyse and process data and information quickly and effectively to make key commercial decisions .
• Excellent knowledge of Italian schools’ legal framework ( scuola paritaria vs scuola pubblica ) .
• Emotionally intelligent, articulate and persuasive and able to present a compelling vision both internally and externally .
• A thoughtful, effective and inspiring leader, able to work independently and remotely from line manager.
• Multi-cultural experience, including experience of leadership across different geographies and cultures .
• A team player with a collaborative style who works in partnership across functions, supports and develops colleagues and has consistent success in leading and motivating teams to deliver excellence .
• An innovative, creative style and the ability to develop concepts into reality .
• A proven track record of successfully integrating and onboarding businesses .
• Experience of dealing with Government officials and policy makers.

You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.

• Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and maximise opportunities.
• Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual learning, development and growth.
• Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of creation through to completion.
• Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and is focused on KPIs.
• Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
• Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our students and their families.
• Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.