Operations officer

Operations Officer (37 hours per week)

The Harpur Trust is a charity that operates four independent schools, a large grants programme supporting the community in Bedford and sponsors the Heart Academies Trust. Governance and management of the schools is delegated, but as a single charity, the Board of Trustees is accountable for compliance. In addition, there are a number of areas where the four schools and the Harpur Trust Office coordinate operations and collaborate to be more effective and efficient.

Are you ready to step into an integral operational role at the heart of a thriving Trust? Do you thrive on organisation, problem-solving, and delivering meaningful improvements across multiple teams?

We’re looking for a dynamic and proactive professional to work alongside our Head of Operations—someone who can keep the engine running smoothly, anticipate challenges, and drive consistency and excellence at The Harpur Trust office.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Overseeing and supporting day-to-day operations and operational projects to ensure smooth, effective running
• Collaborating with school Operations teams to ensure consistent, high‑quality practices across the Trust
• Acting as a coordinator between departments, ensuring compliance, consistency and accurate reporting
• Analyzing data and producing reports to support decision making

Supporting key areas include:

• IT & Cyber Security (hardware & software)
• Health & Safety compliance
• Environmental sustainability
• Office facilities and contract management

What We’re Looking For

• Someone who is highly organised, analytical, and solutions-focused
• A confident communicator who can build relationships across teams
• A proactive mindset with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Passion for making systems better and creating efficient, consistent operations
• Skilled at making progress in changing or undefined circumstances

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for training and career development
• Pension scheme and employee benefits
• Flexible working options where applicable

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.