RWIS Palma
Business & Operations Manager
Location: Raoul Wallenberg International School, Palma, Mallorca, Spain
Position: Business & Operations Manager
Reporting to: Head of School
Salary and Benefits: Competitive salary in line with the position’s responsibility and scope of work, as well as the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include free lunch, continued professional development, access to a group health insurance scheme.
Deadline for Applications: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and applicants are encouraged to apply ASAP.
Start Date: ASAP/upon agreement
Enquiries/Applications: emilio.nadalmarti@rwiss.es
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled and dynamic professional to contribute to the continued growth and success of RWIS. As the Business and Operations Manager, you will hold a key leadership role in ensuring the eff icient, sustainable, and professional operation of the company.
In this position, you will oversee core operational areas including human resources, finance, external vendors, and outsourced staff ing, ensuring alignment with the school’s policies, procedures, and strategic direction. Over time, your leadership will extend to line management of the IT Manager, Admissions & Marketing Manager, School Nurse, Security, Facilities, Cleaning, and Kitchen staff , ensuring a cohesive and high-performing operational team.
Working in close collaboration with the Head of School and the School Leadership Team, you will provide strategic guidance and practical oversight that supports the company mission and vision. As a member of the leadership team, you will play an integral part in shaping the culture, systems, and sustainability of RWIS.
Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in international schools, proven leadership in business and operations management, and fluency in both Spanish and English. A strong understanding of the local business and education context will be considered a significant asset.
Position Scope
Human Resources:
- Oversee full HR lifecycle: recruitment, onboarding, induction, off boarding, and retention.
- Manage employee relations, contracts, and performance appraisal processes.
- Support and monitor professional development planning for faculty and staff.
- Ensure compliance with Spanish employment law, international school standards, and RWIS policies.
- Oversee background checks, including criminal and sexual conviction l record clearances, and ensure all staff are up to date with safeguarding training.
- Maintain accurate HR records.
Finance:
- Develop, monitor, and manage the financial planning and annual school budget in collaboration with the Head of School.
- Monitor financial performance and implement cost-eff ective measures while ensuring quality.
- Oversee payroll, procurement, vendor payments, and financial reporting.
- Manage internal controls, compliance with local tax and financial regulations, and liaise with external accountants/auditors.
- Maintain accurate records of school assets and an updated inventory of resources.
Contracts and Outsourced Staffing:
- Negotiate, review, and manage contracts with external vendors and service providers (including facilities, cleaning, IT, catering, and security etc).
- Onboard and supervise outsourced staff to ensure compliance with agreed service standards, cost-eff iciency, and safeguarding expectations.
- Maintain transparent, competitive and sustainable procurement processes in line with RWIS company policy.
Operational Alignment & Leadership:
- Coordinate and align the eff orts of operational staff (non-teaching).
- Establish eff icient communication, reporting, and accountability systems across operational areas.
- Implement, monitor, and refine operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance, eff iciency, and alignment with the school’s strategic plan.
- Serve as a visible leader, modelling RWIS values and fostering a professional, solutions-oriented culture.
Facilities, Health & Safety, and Compliance:
- Oversee the maintenance, safety, and development of school facilities, ensuring they are fit for purpose and aligned with the school’s growth strategy.
- Ensure compliance with local health, safety, fire, and building regulations, and coordinate required inspections and certifications.
- In collaboration with the SLT, implement risk management frameworks, including field trip procedures, emergency preparedness, and crisis management plans.
- Lead sustainability initiatives and contribute to long-term facilities planning and expansion projects.
Governance, Reporting & Strategic Contribution:
- Provide regular reporting to the Head of School and RWIS Board of Directors on finance, HR, facilities, and risk management.
- Support the Head of School and Board in ensuring compliance with local and international accreditation standards.
- Contribute to strategic planning by ensuring that operational practices support the delivery of the RWIS Way and RWS guiding statements.
- Continuously review and assess operational systems to ensure eff ectiveness, eff iciency, and alignment with company goals.
Initial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Implement a new finance system and workflows within 12 months, ensuring accurate reporting and supporting the school’s long-term financial independence.
- Ensure smooth, compliant recruitment and onboarding processes, with high levels of staff retention and the cultivation of a happy, healthy staff body.
- Review and ensure full compliance with all local health, safety,HR, Finance and building regulations.
- Provide timely quarterly reports to leadership and Board of Governors, and establish robust governance and compliance mechanisms that ensure transparency and accountability.
Ideal Candidate
Qualifications and Experience:
- Degree in Business Administration, Finance, HR, or Operations Management (postgraduate or MBA preferred).
- Proven leadership experience in business or operations management, ideally within an international school or educational organisation.
- Strong financial management and HR expertise, with knowledge of Spanish labour, tax, and business regulations.
- Experience managing facilities, contracts, and outsourced providers.
Skills and Attributes
- Excellent leadership and people management skills; ability to inspire, motivate, and build high-performing teams.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to balance budgets and drive sustainability.
- Outstanding organisational, problem-solving, and strategic planning abilities.
- Ability to communicate eff ectively in English and Spanish (both written and spoken).
- High levels of integrity, discretion, and commitment to safeguarding and ethical practice.
- Commitment to the mission and vision of RWIS.
- Collaborative, adaptable, and culturally sensitive.
- Strong ethical standards and a role model for professionalism.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following to emilio.nadalmarti@rwiss.es soon as possible:
- A detailed CV.
- A cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role.
- Contact details of at least two professional references.
Next Stages:
- Longlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview on an ongoing basis.
- Successful candidates will progress to a panel interview.
- Pre-employment reference checks and criminal record clearance will be conducted as part of our safer recruitment procedures.