Operations Manager

Woodardacademies; Darlington; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Polam Hall School is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead operational success in a dynamic school environment. This full-time role, starting September 2025, involves strategic oversight and daily management across various operational areas, ensuring high-quality systems and processes are in place. The successful candidate will join the Senior Leadership team and contribute to the school’s mission of delivering outstanding education.

Benefits

36 days of annual leave

Participation in the local authority pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in operational management.
• Ability to lead multiple teams.
• Passion for high-quality systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational aspects of capital projects.
• Manage site, catering, IT, health and safety.
• Provide strategic leadership on school improvement.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Strategic planning

Job description

Polam Hall School - Operations Manager

Polam Hall School wishes to appoint an experienced Operations Manager on a full-time basis, commencing September 2025.

We seek an organized and experienced Operations Manager to join our school in September 2025 on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will combine meticulous attention to detail with strategic planning skills. This varied and energizing role involves leading multiple teams and significantly contributing to the operational success of our all-through school. As part of the Department for Education Schools Rebuilding Programme, you will oversee the operational aspects of this capital project, alongside providing whole-school operations expertise. The role is based on a 52-week contract, with 36 days of annual leave and participation in the local authority pension scheme.

The successful candidate will report to the Principal and be a member of the Senior Leadership team. You will provide strategic leadership on all operational aspects of the school, including capital projects, supporting school improvement planning.

This role offers both daily operational management and strategic oversight. Key responsibilities include site management, catering, data protection, marketing, wraparound care, IT, health and safety, community usage, and capital projects.

If you are ambitious, passionate about high-quality systems and processes, we would love to hear from you.

About Our School

Polam Hall School is a 4–16 all-through academy within the Woodard Academies Trust. With 840 pupils, our school features one and a half forms in the Primary Phase and four in the Secondary Phase. We have a rich history and are proud to serve the young people of Darlington as a fully comprehensive school. Our mission is to educate the whole child, fostering leadership, compassion, character, and academic ambition through our unique curricula.

We foster a community where staff and students collaborate towards shared goals. We invest in professional development and offer opportunities within the Trust, maintaining a friendly, small-school atmosphere. We seek energetic and enthusiastic individuals who prioritize children and aim to deliver outstanding education to every pupil.

Visits to the school are welcome; please contact the reception to arrange a visit.

Applicants should use the supporting statement section of the application form to demonstrate how they meet the person specification. Detailed responses will help us shortlist suitable candidates for this role.

Polam Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers must share this commitment. Pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, will be conducted before appointment.

We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender status, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.