Operations Manager

The Propeller Academy Trust; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Induction programme with CPD

Wellbeing days & on-site parking

Flexible working options

LGPS

Refer-a-friend scheme

Modern workspace

Strong team culture

Job summary

The Propeller Academy Trust is seeking an experienced operations professional to lead estates, health and safety, compliance, and capital projects across its schools. You will work closely with the Director of HR and Operations to ensure safe, well-maintained environments for pupils and staff.

In this role you'll coordinate contractors, oversee compliance audits, develop policies, and drive continuous improvement across operational services, partnering with school leaders and central teams to

Qualifications

• Experienced in operations, estates, facilities or compliance, with strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Knowledge and experience of Health and Safety compliance and relevant statutory requirements.
• Experience of contractor and supplier management and delivering operational projects or improvements.
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Able to manage competing priorities, work independently and respond effectively to changing requirements.
• Confident using IT systems, reporting tools and management information, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational coordination of estates and facilities management across Trust schools, ensuring premises are safe, compliant and well maintained.
• Oversee Health and Safety compliance, including audits, inspections, risk assessments, incidents and statutory requirements.
• Coordinate contractors, suppliers and maintenance programmes, ensuring quality, value for money and compliance.
• Support estate improvement, refurbishment, new build and capital projects across the Trust.
• Develop and maintain effective policies, procedures, systems and records relating to estates, Health and Safety and operational compliance.
• Lead and coordinate operational projects, working collaboratively with school leaders and central teams.
• Support procurement, contract management, reporting and continuous improvement across operational services.

Skills

Operations coordination

Estates management

Health & Safety

Compliance

Contractor management

Project coordination

Procurement support

Job description

Your Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and proactive professional to play a key role in supporting the delivery of effective operational services across the Propeller Academy Trust. Working closely with the Director of HR and Operations, you will lead on the day-to-day coordination of estates, health and safety, compliance and operational projects, helping to ensure our schools provide safe, secure and effective environments for pupils, staff and visitors.

The Propeller Academy Trust is dedicated to supporting young people with special educational needs, creating an environment where every student can progress along their own unique path. By joining our dedicated and inclusive team, you'll play a vital role in supporting high-quality operational services across the Trust, working collaboratively with school leaders, central teams, contractors and external partners. This is a varied and evolving role, with an initial focus on estates, health and safety, premises compliance and new build and capital projects as the Trust continues to grow.

What we Offer

1. Competitive salary


2. Full induction programme, with fully funded CPD, mentoring and coaching


3. Paid wellbeing days, free on-site parking and access to an employee assistance programme


4. Flexible working options


5. Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)


6. Refer-a-friend scheme (earn up to £500)


7. Modern, thoughtfully designed workspace


8. A strong and supportive work culture defined by teamwork

About the Role

1. Lead the operational coordination of estates and facilities management across Trust schools, ensuring premises are safe, compliant and well maintained.


2. Oversee Health and Safety compliance, including audits, inspections, risk assessments, incidents and statutory requirements.


3. Coordinate contractors, suppliers and maintenance programmes, ensuring quality, value for money and compliance.


4. Support estate improvement, refurbishment, new build and capital projects across the Trust.


5. Develop and maintain effective policies, procedures, systems and records relating to estates, Health and Safety and operational compliance.


6. Lead and coordinate operational projects, working collaboratively with school leaders and central teams.


7. Support procurement, contract management, reporting and continuous improvement across operational services.

About You

1. Experienced in operations, estates, facilities or compliance, with strong organisational and coordination skills.


2. Knowledge and experience of Health and Safety compliance and relevant statutory requirements.


3. Experience of contractor and supplier management and delivering operational projects or improvements.


4. Highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with excellent attention to detail.


5. Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders.


6. Able to manage competing priorities, work independently and respond effectively to changing requirements.


7. Confident using IT systems, reporting tools and management information, with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Safeguarding Information

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.