Office manager - oakdale junior school

Office Manager

Oakdale Junior School, part of the Coastal Learning Partnership.

Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: Grade 5 SCP 10–15 (pro rata) Hours: 30 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks)
Interview: to be confirmed

About The Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly organised, proactive and personable Office Manager to join our team. This is a key leadership role, central to the smooth running of the school. The Office Manager will take responsibility for the development, management and delivery of essential support services, including finance, HR administration, communications and marketing. You will lead the office team to provide an outstanding front‑of‑house experience, ensuring that all pupils, parents, staff and visitors receive a professional, efficient and genuinely warm welcome.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day‑to‑day running of the school office
• Oversee finance and HR administration, including payroll, contracts and record keeping
• Deliver an excellent reception and administrative service
• Manage communications with parents, carers and external stakeholders
• Line‑manage and develop administrative and support staff
• Maintain key systems including pupil data, MIS returns and the Single Central Register
• Support admissions, census processes and parental payments
• Contribute to newsletters, website updates and school communications
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and data protection requirements

About You

• Is positive, friendly and approachable, building strong relationships with staff, pupils and parents
• Consistently upholds and reflects the school’s culture and values in all interactions
• Is a committed team player, working collaboratively and supporting colleagues across the school
• Is open to new ideas and innovative ways of working, and embraces change positively
• Has experience in a school or busy administrative environment
• Can lead, support and develop a team effectively
• Is highly organised and able to prioritise competing demands
• Communicates confidently and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders
• Demonstrates integrity, discretion and attention to detail
• Has strong ICT and administrative skills

About Us

Oakdale Junior School is a successful, friendly and inclusive school where we take great pride in our children, staff and community. Guided by our ethos “From Little Acorns to Mighty Oaks: Growing Strong Together”, we are committed to ensuring every child feels valued, safe and empowered to thrive. We promote respect, kindness and resilience, and foster a culture where everyone works together to reach their full potential. We are proud of our high academic standards, our rich and engaging curriculum, and the positive, welcoming atmosphere that visitors consistently recognise. As part of the Coastal Learning Partnership, we also benefit from strong collaboration with local schools, ensuring the very best outcomes for our children.

Why join Oakdale?

• A welcoming, supportive and highly motivated staff team
• A school with a strong sense of community and shared purpose
• Opportunities for professional development and collaboration across the Trust
• A rewarding role at the heart of school life

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the person specification and will be subject to pre‑employment checks including a health check, Enhanced DBS check, Child Barred List check and satisfactory references. Applicants who are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children must not apply.