Operations manager

Job Title: Operations Manager

Actual Annual Salary: £16,975 - £18,111 Based on hours and working weeks.

Full Time Equivalent Salary: £39,649 - £42,301 (CLF Grade F). Based on 37 hours per week, all year round.

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Part Time, 18.5 hours per week, Term Time Only plus Inset days.

Additional role info: 18.5 hours will be worked across the week, with the exact schedule agreed with the successful candidate; however, you will be expected to work at least three days per week.

Provisional Start Date: 01 September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre-employment checks)

Are you an experienced and highly organised operations professional looking to make a real impact in education?

Frome Vale Academy is seeking a dedicated Operations Manager to lead and coordinate our administrative, compliance and operational functions, ensuring the smooth and effective day‑to‑day running of our academy.

This is a key leadership role within an established academy, working closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to drive excellence in operational practice and enable the very best outcomes for our pupils.

Frome Vale Academy is a single form entry primary school with a small but highly skilled and professional staff team who are dedicated to supporting all children to be Frome Vale Citizens. The Operations Manager works with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure that the academy is a safe place for children to thrive, where parents are kept informed and data is accurate. At times, this may mean supporting on reception or helping a class teacher prepare for a trip, whilst at other times working with central experts on Health & Safety arrangements.

About the role

Reporting to the Principal, you will act as the lead professional services colleague within the academy, overseeing all operational systems and processes. You will ensure that administration, compliance and Health & Safety arrangements are robust, efficient and well embedded.

You will:

• Lead and manage the academy’s administrative and operational functions
• Work in partnership with the Principal, senior leaders and central teams
• Line manage and develop administrative staff, promoting high standards
• Take responsibility for key areas including Health & Safety, compliance and statutory processes
• Build strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Provide high-quality reporting, analysis and operational support to leadership
• This is a varied and fast‑paced role requiring excellent organisation, initiative and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

About you

• Hold (or be working towards) a business‑related qualification at NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience, with strong literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE English and Maths A*–C or equivalent).
• Substantial experience in senior administration and/or operations roles.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, data protection, compliance and health & safety processes.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and confident using digital systems, including MIS platforms.
• Able to plan, prioritise and problem‑solve effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Skilled in building positive, professional relationships with staff, families, contractors and external partners.
• Confident communicating clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Experienced in leading or line‑managing staff, supporting development and coordinating workloads.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Passionate about contributing to a safe, inclusive and high‑quality school environment.
• Committed to equality, inclusion and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.

What we can offer you

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in‑role/wider‑trust development opportunities.
• Well‑being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
• A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on‑site parking plus many more!

Recruitment timeline

Closing Date: 28 June 2026 @11.59pm

Shortlisting: 01 July 2026

Interviews: 09 July 2025

We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.

We are unable to offer sponsorship with this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.