Operational Excellence Lead - Multi-Site Trust

The Challenge Academy Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Sick & parental leave

Annual leave 26–31 days

Agile on-site work

TCAT+ benefits

Job summary

The Challenge Academy Trust is seeking a Trust Operations Manager to lead cross-site operational improvements, manage procurement and contracts, and support H&S across the Trust. The role involves coordinating with the Operations Director and the Estates Strategy Board, with line management of the Central Trust Catering Supervisor.

37 hours per week, permanent, with occasional evening meetings and travel to academy sites. UK-based, salary £40,444–£44,253 pa, TCAT Grade 8.

Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in operational management, project management, procurement, H&S or related field.
• Proven track record delivering complex multi-site operational services.
• Strong budgeting, risk management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Excellent planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead Trust-wide operational improvement; analyse performance, set priorities and drive change.
• Develop and maintain the Operational Excellence framework: standards, scorecards, assurance, policies.
• Manage contracts and suppliers across the Trust, including catering; review performance and address issues.
• Lead procurement: options appraisals, writing specs, tendering, evaluation, and hands‑on mobilisation.
• Plan and deliver projects: milestones, budgets, risks and benefits; manage spend within limits.
• Support Health & Safety: audits, training, risk reviews, and escalations with recommendations.
• Produce management information for senior leaders, trustees and auditors; engage with academy leaders and partners.
• Line-manage the Central Trust Catering Supervisor and support development.

Skills

Operational management

Project management

Procurement

Digital literacy

Travel willingness

Education

Degree or professional qualification in operational management / project management / procurement / H&S or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

The Challenge Academy Trust is seeking a Trust Operations Manager to lead cross-site operational improvements, manage procurement and contracts, and support H&S across the Trust. The role involves coordinating with the Operations Director and the Estates Strategy Board, with line management of the Central Trust Catering Supervisor.

37 hours per week, permanent, with occasional evening meetings and travel to academy sites. UK-based, salary £40,444–£44,253 pa, TCAT Grade 8.