Office Manager & Clerk to the Governors

Swale Academies Trust; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Swale Academies Trust is looking for an Office Manager to lead the day-to-day administrative operations of The Whitstable School. This dynamic role is central to supporting the strategic direction of the school, working closely with leadership and managing a dedicated admin team. The position offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment, with emphasis on employee well-being and professional development. Join us in making a significant impact within our school community.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Enhanced Maternity Pay

Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive

Access to training and development

On-site Parking

Discounts with local and national retailers

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Strong organisational and communication skills required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence in managing systems, processes, and people.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop administrative systems to support school operations.
• Support the Headteacher with diary management and strategic implementation.
• Lead an effective admin team to ensure efficient workload management.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Decision making

Initiative

Job description

• The Whitstable School
• £31,040 - £32,849 FTE – SAT E
• 37 hours per week; all year round
• July/August 2025 start
• Interviews: To be confirmed
  
  
  

Office Manager – Be at the Heart of Our School’s Success

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Office Manager to join our vibrant and growing school community. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to become a key figure in the operational running of a school that is ambitious, evolving, and committed to achieving excellence.

As Office Manager, you will be central to the smooth and effective functioning of the school’s day-to-day administration. Working in close partnership with the Headteacher, you will play a vital role in supporting the strategic and operational direction of the school. You will attend relevant leadership meetings to ensure clear communication and coordination of administrative priorities, acting as the crucial link between strategic planning and operational delivery.

This is more than a traditional administrative role – you will oversee systems and processes that are essential to the running of the school, from communications and compliance to scheduling and staff coordination. You’ll be working alongside a strong and enthusiastic admin team, with the responsibility to guide, delegate, and develop them to ensure the school’s administrative functions are efficient, responsive, and aligned with school priorities.

Key elements of the role include:

• Managing and developing the school’s administrative systems to support smooth day-to-day operations
• Supporting the Headteacher with diary management, communication, and implementation of strategic plans
• Attending leadership meetings to ensure administrative alignment with school priorities (without being part of the leadership team)
• Leading and developing an effective admin team to ensure workload is managed efficiently and deadlines are consistently met
• Acting as a key liaison between internal departments, staff, parents, and external stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and supporting the school’s safeguarding and data protection duties
  
  
  

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong organisational and communication skills
• Can take initiative and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Enjoys working collaboratively but can also lead and make decisions
• Is confident in managing systems, processes, and people
• Wants to be part of a school that values dedication, teamwork, and the drive for improvement
  
  
  

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a real difference in a school that values professionalism, care, and progress. If you are excited by the idea of working in a role where no two days are the same, and where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our school. In return, we offer a stimulating, supporting, and rewarding working environment, where all staff are valued and where you will have the opportunity to access a range of excellent professional opportunities to support your progression.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Join us to benefit from:

• Local Government Pension Scheme – with a generous employer contribution
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC (Additional Voluntary Contribution) Scheme
• Employee Referral Recruitment Incentive
• Access to training and development
• On-site Parking
• Discounts with local and national retailers, cinemas and restaurants
• Employee Assistance Programme – Wellbeing and advice
• Cycle to Work scheme
  
  
  

Ready to join us?

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Natasha Kingsford, Office Manager, via [e-mail] or 01227 931300.

Applications should be made via Kent Teach or by submitting a SAT Application Form to [e-mail] . Please note, we cannot accept CVs.

If you experience any difficulty in completing the application form, please contact [e-mail].

We are happy to discuss any support you may need during your application process as part of our reasonable adjustment approach.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.

Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

Kent Teach Advert: https://www.kent-teach.com/Recruitment/Vacancy/VacancyDetails.aspx?VacancyId=147553