Cover Manager

Sharnbrook Academy; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free on-site parking

Teacher's pension scheme

Healthcare benefits including flu jabs

Job summary

Meridian Trust is recruiting a Cover Manager to oversee cover for absence and coordinate with HR. The role demands supervising KS3/KS4 classes, allocating both planned and unplanned cover, and managing a team of Cover Supervisors. You will sign off supplier invoices and ensure smooth bookings in the finance system.

The ideal candidate will work with a strong team, maintain professionalism, and communicate effectively to support students and staff during teaching gaps.

Qualifications

• Have a good educational background and working with young people.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills to effectively influence students.
• Be a team player, with a ‘can do’ solution focused attitude.
• Possess outstanding communication skills and personal integrity.
• Ability to remain calm and professional at all times.

Responsibilities

• Supervise classes across KS3 & KS4 following a programme of study during short-term absences.
• Actively engage with the class while following the Teacher's lead.
• Proactively manage and allocate cover for the planned and unplanned absence of teaching staff.
• Checking and signing off all supply invoices.
• Line management of the Cover Supervisor team, ensuring all orders and bookings are uploaded to the finance system.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Communication skills

Job description

Vacancy for Cover Manager

Salary: Meridian Trust Grade 7 , Points 12

Hours: 37

7am- 3pm Mon- Thurs and 7am-2:30pm Friday.

We have an exciting opportunity for a cover manager to join our team! You will ensure high-quality cover is provided for classes in the absence of a teacher and work closely with HR regarding the coordination of staff absence.

The opportunity

• A great chance to work with a strong, fun enthusiastic team
• Supervise classes across KS3 & KS4 following a programme of study during short-term absences
• Actively engage with the class while following the Teacher's lead
• Proactively manage and allocate cover for the planned and unplanned absence of teaching staff.
• Checking and signing off all supply invoices
• Line management of the Cover Supervisor teamEnsuring all orders and bookings for cover and supply are uploaded to the finance system.

The ideal candidate

• Have a good educational background and working with young people.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills to effectively influence students.
• Be a team player, with a ‘can do’ solution focused attitude.
• Possess outstanding communication skills and personal integrity.
• Ability to remain calm and professional at all times.

About Meridian Trust -

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher's pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: 31/08/2026

Interviews will be held on: 07/09/2026

Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

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. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.