Group Shared Services Manager

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. At Taaleem, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including, receipt of high quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks.

Taaleem is looking for a Group Shared Services Manager to lead and optimize shared operational services across our schools. This pivotal role ensures high-quality service delivery while driving revenue through innovative business models.

Key Accountabilities:

Contract Management and Service Delivery

• Lead and manage shared services contracts across all schools, ensuring value for money and high service standards.
• Negotiate terms, renewals, and SLAs with third-party providers including catering, uniforms, buses, ASAs, and field trips.
• Monitor provider performance through KPIs, customer feedback, and audits; resolve issues collaboratively with vendors.
• Conduct school visits and stakeholder surveys to maintain a high service index and identify service improvement opportunities.
• Ensure all services meet Taaleem’s quality, safeguarding, and corporate responsibility standards.

Revenue Generation and Commercial Oversight

• Oversee commission-based contracts (e.g., ASAs, field trips, lettings) and track revenue across all schools.
• Collaborate with Finance to reconcile income and report on financial performance against shared service targets.
• Identify and develop new shared service opportunities to increase yield while maintaining service quality.
• Support schools in budgeting shared services income and expenditure effectively.
• Propose pricing models and commercial terms that ensure fairness, competitiveness, and sustainability.

Stakeholder Support and Business Partnership

• Act as the key liaison for shared services at group level, providing hands-on support to school-based operations teams.
• Train and guide school teams on shared services contracts, issue escalation, and vendor management protocols.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders to ensure understanding of services and value proposition.
• Coordinate with suppliers to promote services and address concerns raised by all stakeholders.

Compliance, H&S and ESG

• Ensure all third-party providers comply with Taaleem’s Health & Safety, Child Protection, and legal requirements.
• Maintain documentation related to approvals, licenses, insurance, and training.
• Embed ESG principles into shared services contracts including sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact.
• Ensure annual policy reviews and updates incorporate audit and compliance recommendations.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation.

Who Are We Looking For

Education: Bachelor’s degree or related industry qualification at a similar level.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years in a shared services, commercial operations, or contract management role, ideally in education or a customer-focused industry.
• Experience in vendor negotiation, service quality monitoring, and revenue reporting. Proven ability to manage commercial contracts and business development projects.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in similar role (e.g. finance or operations) ideally in an Educational Institution or related service provider Industry.

Competencies:

• Shared services strategy and execution
• Contract and revenue management
• Stakeholder communication and relationship building
• Financial literacy and performance monitoring
• Operational compliance and ESG awareness

Attributes:

• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple streams
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills
• Commercially driven and solutions-focused
• Professional and empathetic approach to internal and external stakeholders

Apply now via our careers page.

Taaleem reserves the right to close job advertisements early if an outstanding candidate is identified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.