Overview
York Steiner School is a thriving independent school for children aged 3–16, offering an inspiring Steiner-Waldorf education. We are looking for a skilled, experienced and enthusiastic Operations Officer to work alongside a dedicated staff team to ensure the school is a safe and welcoming environment. The role involves excellent communication with external contractors and teaching and non-teaching staff in relation to health and safety, estates and other key operational activities. The role requires keeping up to date with changing legislation and guidance to ensure compliance. You will be joining a warm, nurturing and vibrant community of staff, parents and children. This role reports into the Business Manager and works closely with the Finance and HR/Admin teams.
Responsibilities
* Compliance and Health and Safety: support all aspects of York Steiner School H&S and compliance across the entire school; implement North Yorkshire Council’s H&S procedures to be compliant for H&S Premises Inspection and H&S paperwork audit; oversee Fire Risk Assessment.
* Risk assessments: advise and support teachers preparing Risk Assessments from an H&S perspective for school activities; create risk assessments and oversee H&S at 2 school fairs (attendance on the day required; time off in lieu).
* Asbestos and Legionella: manage the asbestos register and legionella reports, working with school appointed professionals and maintain the paperwork and records.
* IT support: oversee the IT security software and be the first point of contact for school IT issues with our external provider.
* Regulatory compliance: ensure data protection (GDPR) and other regulatory requirements are met.
* Line management, communication and training: attend relevant training; build relationships with the Finance Manager, HR/Admin Manager and Caretaker; communicate effectively with the Headteacher, SENDCo, teachers, non-teaching staff, students/children and parents; participate in staff training days, open days.
* School trips and medicines: oversee medicines and first aid in school; manage, log and act upon accident reporting; serve as Lead Educational Visit Coordinator to sign off H&S for school trips and liaise with admin support.
* External contractors: manage external facilities contracts (e.g., print/photocopier, coffee machine) and liaise with external contractors for project work.
* Fire safety: manage Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM); be Lead Fire Marshall; coordinate fire marshals and schedule training; responsible for weekly testing and termly fire evacuation drills.
* Additional responsibilities: comply with all school policies (especially safeguarding, health & safety and IT policy); lead on sustainability and energy efficiency; develop a school-wide sustainability action plan (DfE requirement coming in 2025); ensure site, facilities and equipment are safe and well maintained; maintain and review school operational policies; prepare compliance reports for governors/trustees via the business manager; oversee site security, access control, keys/fobs; coordinate with contractors for out-of-hours access.
Statutory Requirements
* Maintain electronic record keeping to meet statutory and school requirements (e.g., school management systems and safeguarding systems).
* Follow the staff code of conduct when interacting with children; report safeguarding concerns in accordance with the school safeguarding policy.
How to Apply
Please apply online explaining how you meet the person specification. Applications close Friday 19th September 2025. Interviews will be held shortly thereafter.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Experience and Training
* A good knowledge of H&S policy and procedures
* Experience of H&S administration (desirable)
* Completion of at least one recognised Health and Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH, COSHH) or willingness to complete in the first term of employment
* Previous experience of working in a school environment (desirable)
* An understanding of Steiner Waldorf Education and the ethos of York Steiner School (desirable)
* Experience of dealing with and managing contractors
* First Aid at work Qualification or willingness to complete training
* IT skills including Microsoft Office and G Suite
Skills & Knowledge
* A proven track record of successfully overseeing H&S/policy in the workplace
* Maintaining accurate records
* Excellent organisation, time management and workload planning skills
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