Operational Office Manager (Member of SLT)

Penk Valley Academy Trust; Penkridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Penkridge is seeking an Operations Manager to ensure smooth operations of the school. The role involves leading teams, building relationships, and overseeing operational areas. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in operational management within education, excellent communication skills, and relevant qualifications. This full-time position offers various employee benefits and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Access to first class CPD opportunities

Genuine opportunities for career progression

Professional assistance

Pension scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free will writing service

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational management, ideally within education.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks including health & safety and data protection.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the administration and site teams.
• Build strong relationships with staff, parents, external partners, and the local community.
• Oversee all operational areas including premises and HR processes.

Skills

Operational management

Organisational skills

Leadership

Communication

Relationship building

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification

Job description

Are you a natural leader who thrives on building strong relationships and leading teams to success? Wolgarston High School is looking for an Operations Manager who will not only ensure the smooth running of our school but also be a visible, approachable presence for staff, students, parents, and the wider community. This is a key leadership position where you will be the face of the school for all operational matters, working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to make the school a "World Class" education provider. You'll lead and inspire our support staff, manage day-to-day operations, and develop systems that keep our school running efficiently and safely. You'll be the first point of contact for many stakeholders-staff, parents, external partners, and the local community-so excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Beyond day-to-day management, you'll drive improvements, oversee contracts, and ensure our school environment is safe, efficient, and welcoming. This isn't just about systems and processes-it's about people. You'll lead and inspire our support teams, champion customer service, and represent the school at external meetings. Your ability to influence, motivate, and create positive relationships will be key to success. What You’ll Do

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the administration and site teams, fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
• Build strong relationships with staff, parents, external partners, and the local community.
• Oversee all operational areas including premises, catering, ICT, health & safety, and HR processes.
• Represent the school at external meetings and ensure compliance with statutory and Trust requirements.
• Promote the school through excellent customer service and community engagement. A confident communicator who can influence and inspire others.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational management, ideally within education.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks including health & safety and data protection.
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification and ICT proficiency. This is a permanent and full time position. The core hours for this position are 37 hours across Monday to Friday, the exact distribution of these hours can be discussed at interview. Penk Valley Academy Trust is the local academy Trust for the following schools: Marshbrook First School, Princefield First School, St John’s First School, St Mary & St Chad CE First School, Penkridge Middle School, Wolgarston High School and The Rural Enterprise Academy.

The Trust's vision and ethos is encapsulated in our motto 'Learning Together'. Our main aim is to work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for ensuring that every child and young person in our Trust receives an excellent education, achieves high outcomes and realises their potential. All members of staff work incredibly hard to provide the very best education for every child in our care.

Employee Benefits

• Access to first class CPD opportunities
• Genuine opportunities for career progression - with 7 schools within the academy
• Professional assistance - you will have access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension - automatic enrolment into Local Government Pension Scheme
• Discounted gym memberships
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free will writing service

Safeguarding & Welfare

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and responsibility. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. All staff working in the School during the school day will have contact with children and will therefore be in regulated activity. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.