Meet the Directors

Eddie

Eddie Austin

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

A recognised business leader, Eddie is an entrepreneur, board member and highly respected thought leader within the Education Recruitment Sector. He is the founder and CEO of Operam Education Group and his experience and knowledge within the education recruitment industry spans over 30 years in the delivery of global public and private sector services.

Eddie’s aptitude to identify opportunities and ability to develop creative solutions means that he naturally drives change for improvement. He is committed to doing this both at Operam Education Group and externally through supporting various UK and International organisations; he sits on the board of ‘The Sovereign Trust’, a specialist SEND multi- academy trust.

An inspiring leader, Eddie’s people skills means he is an accessible source at every level, with the ability to motivate and develop his staff, enabling them to reach their career goals whilst improving on service delivery. His success is rooted with the vision to improve learning capacity within the classroom and supporting social mobility. Eddie’s experience and knowledge of fast-moving emerging markets means he ensures first class stewardship of business, which he’s proven over decades, always delivering on his vision.

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Andy McRae

Non-Executive Chairman

A commercially focussed and strategic leader with significant international business experience, largely within people-centric, multi-site, service sector companies with operations in Europe, The Middle East, North and South America and throughout Asia Pacific.

An individual with extensive Board level experience at CEO, MD and FD positions in both listed and private companies, including those with Private Equity backing; he has a proven track record of achieving sustained and profitable top and bottom-line growth.

Andy has significant M&A experience, both in the UK and internationally, including the negotiation of complex Joint Venture agreements. Equally at home in leading small, medium and large organisations, he possesses an unusual combination of a strong financial background and commercial sense. He has excellent interpersonal skills and has the ability to communicate, influence and relate to shareholders, clients, banks, leadership teams and field staff alike.

Andy
Sharon

Sharon Bullock

Chief Operating Officer

Sharon has a wealth of experience and knowledge within the education recruitment sector, with a proven track record spanning over 25 years. Commercially astute, Sharon has led and developed high performing teams across the UK, providing clear strategies, solutions and inspiration.

An expert in her field, Sharon’s proprietary knowledge and sector insight, has been a significant contributor to industry wide and government recognised compliance and safeguarding initiatives. She has also transformed businesses by engaging key stakeholders in order to deliver high levels of client and candidate service.

Sharon possesses an enthusiasm and determination to drive business growth whilst energising the people around her, offering great leadership to her team.

Dan Knight

Investor Director

Daniel joined Three Hills in November 2023 and is a Senior Investment Director. Daniel previously spent over six years at Bridges Fund Management in London investing in high growth, impactful businesses across the UK and Europe, and also represented Bridges as a Board Director of multiple portfolio companies. Prior to Bridges, he spent a year at special situations investor Agathos and five years in the Deals practice at PwC. 

Daniel completed the ACA while at PwC, holds an MSc in Economics from University College London and a BSc in Economics from Cardiff University.

Dan
Stuart

Stuart Dick

Chief Financial Officer

ACA qualified, Stuart trained at Deloitte before moving into senior finance leadership roles within industry. He brings over 15 years’ experience in the recruitment sector, where he has led significant growth, supported private equity investment, and overseen major acquisitions.

With a proven track record of scaling businesses, enhancing financial stewardship and driving long-term strategy, Stuart combines deep technical expertise with a strong commercial outlook. His leadership continues to play a key role in strengthening Operam Education Group’s growth and ambition.