Job Description
School Operations Manager - Till January 2027 with possible extension
* Job Type: Full time, 52 weeks a year, 5 days a week.
* Location: Crawley, West Sussex
* Salary: £50-60k per annum
An opportunity has arisen to join a well established local school as a Business Operations Manager who will be instrumental in leading and managing the school's administrative, estates, health & safety and financial operations. This role is ideal for a highly organised, calm under pressure individual who possesses strong IT and leadership skills and thrives in a dynamic educational environment.
Day-to-day duties of the role:
Administration & Systems Management
* Lead and manage the whole-school administrative function, including line management and performance reviews.
* Design, implement, and continuously improve administrative systems aligned with organisational objectives.
* Ensure effective information flow, clearly defined responsibilities and stakeholder support.
* Analyse data to improve efficiency, reduce duplication and inform decision-making.
* Prepare and submit statutory returns and reports to external agencies.
* Support the Office Manager in maintaining first aid compliance and reporting procedures.
Estates & Facilities Management
* Lead the site and premises teams and oversee all estates operations.
* Ensure buildings, repairs, maintenance, and improvements meet statutory and regulatory requirements.
* Manage contractors and outsourced services, ensuring contractual obligations are met.
* Oversee site security, utilities, cleaning contracts, and emergency planning.
* Maintain and monitor the School Travel Plan and cycle permit system.
Health & Safety
* Act as Health & Safety Coordinator and Fire Officer.
* Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation and trust-wide policies.
* Maintain risk assessments, accident reporting and monitoring systems.
* Lead fire drills, alarm testing and emergency procedures.
* Report health & safety matters to senior leadership and governors as required.
Catering & Canteen Management
* Monitor on-site catering provision and staff.
* Liaise with the Catering Manager on menu planning.
* Attend contract monitoring meetings and support tendering processes.
* Review and benchmark food quality and value.
* Support events and catering-related activities.
Cover Management
* Manage daily staff allocations, room changes and work for absent staff each morning.
* Communicate daily cover arrangements to staff and senior leadership.
* Liaise with supply agencies.
* Monitor staff absence and escalate concerns in line with policy.
Strategic Financial Management
* Set, monitor and forecast multi-year school budgets.
* Ensure compliance with financial regulations.
* Manage procurement and invoicing.
* Identify income-generation or fundraising opportunities.
Required Skills & Qualifications
* Excellent communication skills.
* Proven ability to lead teams across different departments.
* Strong planning and decision-making skills.
* Ability to stay calm under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
* Proficient IT skills.
* Experience in educational administration.
Please apply online now to avoid disappointment. Due to the urgency of this situation, the desirable candidate will have an enhanced dbs certificate or be on the update service.
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