Office Manager (FAR137BC)

Farndon Fields Primary School; Market Harborough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym discounts

Eyecare vouchers

Dental support

Retail discounts

Annual incremental pay increases

Job summary

Farndon Fields Primary School is seeking an experienced Office Manager to oversee the school's administrative and financial systems. The role requires strong numeracy, excellent communication, and the ability to manage others, with responsibilities including budgeting, payroll reconciliation, and statutory returns.

The post is permanent, 37 hours per week over 42 weeks per year (term time plus 3 weeks) with a Grade 9 pay point 1-22 salary range (£32,070–£34,359 per annum, approximate starting

Qualifications

• Experience in busy office environment and multi-tasking
• Strong numeracy skills including cash handling
• Experience with invoicing, payroll reconciliation and VAT claims
• Understanding of school operations and regulatory context

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of an effective admin, clerical and financial service for the School.
• Communicate professionally with staff, suppliers, pupils and parents and act as an ambassador for the Trust.
• Ensure statutory returns (School Census, School Workforce Census) are completed accurately and on time.

Skills

Office administration

Financial procedures

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Level 2 maths/numeracy & English/literacy

Level 3 business & admin qualification/experience

Certificate in School Business Management

Job description

Office Manager

Farndon Fields Primary School

Salary: Grade 9 Pay Point 1-22 (£32,070 - £34,359 per annum, approximate starting salary of £30,524.40)

Hours: 37 Hours per week, 42 weeks per year (Term Time + 3 weeks)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday 08:00 am - 4:00 pm, Fridays 08:00 am - 3:30 pm

About the Role

Farndon Fields Primary School is looking for an experienced, proactive and dynamic Office Manager to take up an exciting, demanding and rewarding post at our school.

As the role is integral to the successful running of the school, the Office Manager must be confident and able to work well as part of a team, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work well under pressure in order to meet deadlines.

The Officer Manager has a key role in the effective management of school systems and you must have a strong administration background, good customer service skills, be able to line manage others and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. You will also need to have excellent numeracy skills as this role will involve cash handling and be an excellent communicator with a professional manner, which promotes a positive image of the school. The role may also involve training and mentoring an office apprentice.

Why Choose Farndon Fields Primary School?

We are a successful, friendly school set in beautiful grounds on the edge of Market Harborough. Our school environment has been developed with two additional classrooms that were completed in February 2013 and an additional 7 new classrooms, a new hall and a refurbished administration area and school entrance completed in 2018. We have also installed a brand-new library thanks to funds raised by our own PTA and support from the local Market Harborough charity ‘Howard Watson Symington Memorial Charity’. We are a Microsoft Showcase school, sharing good practice through this global network.

Our Achievements to date

• Rated Ofsted ‘Good’ October 2023
• Microsoft Showcase School
• 360 Safe online safety award

“A high level of enthusiasm throughout the school community creates a very positive climate for learning.”- OFSTED

Key Responsibilities

• To lead in the development and implementation of an effective administrative, clerical support service and financial procedures within the School, to ensure that all procedures are carried out accurately, effectively and efficiently, and where relevant provide maximum support for and minimum involvement of teaching staff.
• To communicate effectively, professionally and in a friendly manner with staff, suppliers, pupils and parents. To be an ambassador for the Trust in dealing with external persons, developing effective lines of communication with all school users and to be a respected member of the school team by all staff.
• To ensure that all statutory returns are completed, including School Census and School Workforce Census and submitted to the appropriate body in designated timeframes and that they comply with the appropriate Government Department standards.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• Level 2 qualifications in maths/numeracy and English/literacy.
• Level 3 qualification in business and administration with post-qualification experience, or evidence of equivalent experience.
• Certificate in School Business Management

Experience

Skills & Knowledge

• Experience of working in a busy office environment, carrying out a range of administrative and financial tasks
• Experience of carrying out financial procedures accurately, including invoice processing, bank and payroll reconciliation and VAT claims.
• Experience of working in a school office
• Understanding of the context in which schools operate
• Awareness of the financial regulations that relate to schools/academies.

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated Team
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact [e-mail] for support.

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.