Office Manager

School & College; England; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

St Joseph's Specialist Trust is seeking an experienced Office Manager to lead the administrative team on-site. Responsibilities include overseeing office functions, ensuring positive interaction with students and families, and maintaining accurate records in a vibrant educational environment. The role offers a competitive salary and various benefits, emphasizing a supportive atmosphere for staff and students alike.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus statutory public holidays paid

Free hot lunch during term time

Free car parking on site

Employee assistance service (wellbeing and counselling)

Induction programme including Team Teach Training

Qualifications

• Experienced Office Manager with ability to lead a team.
• Aptitude for working with families and external stakeholders.
• Physical and mental resilience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small office team.
• Ensure accurate records and database completion.
• Plan events for students and families.

Skills

Compassion

Patience

Ability to work under pressure

Leadership

Organizational skills

Job description

St Joseph's Specialist Trust, Amlets Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 7DH

Employer: St Joseph's Specialist Trust

Salary: Actual Salary - £33,280 - £36,837. We also pay a £1,000 Recruitment and Retention bonus - £250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months at Trust (subject to tax & NI)

Hours: 8.15am-4.45pm Monday - Friday (including 30 minute unpaid break each day). 40 hours per week over 42 weeks being 39 weeks term time plus 15 days to be worked in the school closure period. This is an on-site role

Closing: 14th July 2025

St Joseph’s are seeking an experienced, efficient Office Manager, to lead a small, dedicated office team on site. The role involves working closely with staff throughout St Joseph’s and managing and leading the Education Administration team to deliver a wide range of both complex and straightforward administrative functions, including ensuring that the team maintains accurate records and database completion and leading the team in support of student review meetings. You will also oversee planning of events for students and families and will be responsible for ensuring that the reception is manned at all times from within the team, as well as providing support to the Executive Principal (see job description for full details). You should be able to focus on priorities and deadlines and have the ability to work under pressure and have an aptitude for working with families and external stakeholders. You should embrace taking a proactive “hands on” approach wherever needed.

This is a 40 hour a week role being 8.15am – 4.45pm Monday to Friday over 39 weeks term time including CPD days, plus 15 days to be worked during the school closure periods. Additionally, it is the role of the Office Manager to ensure that there is cover on reception during all school closure periods and CPD days, from 8.00am to close of business 4.30pm. It may be necessary for the Office Manager to provide that cover themselves in the absence of support team cover. In that situation overtime may be claimed or term-time holiday may be taken (above the contracted permitted amount) in lieu of non-contracted holiday hours worked, by agreement with line manager. This will be discussed at interview.

We are a registered charitable trust comprising a special needs school, college, registered children’s home and adult supported living house. Our school and college students are age 5-19 with severe and complex social communication and learning disabilities, many with autism. Every member of our staff plays a part in making a positive contribution to the lives of our students and tenants. Students may visit the office so compassion, patience and empathy for their needs is vital. If you are recruited, you will be required to complete Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of your induction before employment. Physical and mental resilience are qualities essential for all our employees.

Why St Joseph’s? We offer:-

+ 25 days holiday plus statutory public holidays paid + **£1,000 Retention bonus – £250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months at Trust + Free hot lunch during term time + free car parking on site + Employee assistance service (confidential, professional wellbeing and counselling 24/7 service) + Induction programme including Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support Training (refreshed annually) + Excellent network of support across the organisation including a team of Adult Mental Health First Aid and Occupational Health + Based on a beautiful 23 acre site in Cranleigh, half way between Horsham and Guildford, on the edge of the Surrey Hills

Own transport is desirable due to the rural location of the Trust. All employees of St Joseph’s Specialist Trust are key workers.

St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This position requires an enhanced DBS check and take up of references.