Office Manager

Howett Thorpe; Guildford; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Employee wellbeing support

Professional development opportunities

Generous holiday entitlement

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is seeking an experienced Office Manager to oversee the day-to-day administration and reception functions within our Surrey-based educational organisation. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations across the busy office and support a growing environment.

With strong organisational skills, you will supervise administrative staff, maintain records, manage office systems, and ensure safeguarding and data protection compliance.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Office Manager, Senior Administrator, Operations Coordinator or similar role.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience supervising, coordinating or leading an administrative function.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate records.
• Strong IT skills and experience using database, administration or management information systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the reception and administrative functions.
• Ensure visitors, families, staff and external professionals receive a professional and welcoming experience.
• Manage office systems, processes and procedures to support the efficient running of the organisation.
• Supervise and coordinate administrative activities, ensuring workloads are effectively prioritised and managed.
• Maintain accurate records and management information systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Support pupil and staff administration processes, ensuring documentation is completed and maintained accurately.
• Monitor and improve administrative procedures to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Manage correspondence, enquiries and communications, ensuring timely and professional responses.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders and wider teams to support operational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Coordinate office resources, supplies and facilities‑related administration as required.
• Support the continuous improvement of administrative systems and office operations.

Skills

Strong organisational skills

Excellent customer service

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Tools

MS Office

Management information systems

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive Office Manager to join a well‑established educational organisation in Surrey. This role will play a pivotal part in ensuring the smooth and efficient day‑to‑day operation of the administration and reception functions while supporting a busy and growing environment.

Job Title: Office Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Surrey

Salary: £30,600 - £32,500 (term time only plus 2 additional weeks)

Benefits: Generous pension scheme, employee wellbeing support, professional development opportunities, generous holiday entitlement and access to a supportive working environment

Reference No: 16183

Office Manager – About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive Office Manager to join a well‑established educational organisation in Surrey. This role will play a pivotal part in ensuring the smooth and efficient day‑to‑day operation of the administration and reception functions while supporting a busy and growing environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of the reception and administrative functions.
• Ensure visitors, families, staff and external professionals receive a professional and welcoming experience.
• Manage office systems, processes and procedures to support the efficient running of the organisation.
• Supervise and coordinate administrative activities, ensuring workloads are effectively prioritised and managed.
• Maintain accurate records and management information systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Support pupil and staff administration processes, ensuring documentation is completed and maintained accurately.
• Monitor and improve administrative procedures to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Manage correspondence, enquiries and communications, ensuring timely and professional responses.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders and wider teams to support operational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality requirements.
• Coordinate office resources, supplies and facilities‑related administration as required.
• Support the continuous improvement of administrative systems and office operations.

The Successful Candidate Will Have

• Previous experience in an Office Manager, Senior Administrator, Operations Coordinator or similar role.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience supervising, coordinating or leading an administrative function.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records.
• Strong IT skills and experience using database, administration or management information systems.
• A professional and approachable manner with excellent customer service skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• A proactive approach with strong problem‑solving skills and the confidence to take ownership of processes.
• An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection requirements.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a busy environment.

Previous experience within education would be advantageous; however, candidates with strong transferable office management, administration or operational support experience from other sectors are encouraged to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for a capable and organised professional to join a supportive and purpose-driven organisation, where you can make a genuine impact while contributing to the smooth running of a dynamic educational environment.

We do not discriminate on the grounds of any protected characteristics.