Operations Manager

Kingfisher Primary Academy; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local government pension

Professional development

Wellbeing initiatives

Career progression

Job summary

Kingfisher Primary Academy in Doncaster is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, reporting to the Principal and collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team. You will implement robust systems to support the delivery of high‑quality education and provide a safe, well‑managed environment for pupils and staff.

You will oversee financial processes, HR administration and ensure governance, safeguarding and regulatory compliance are met

Qualifications

• Experience leading operational, business, finance or administrative functions within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budget monitoring and procurement processes.
• Experience managing HR processes, employee records and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the academy's operational functions across finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, ensuring the smooth running of the school.
• Act as the primary liaison between the academy and central trust teams, providing expert operational support and advice.
• Oversee financial processes including budgeting support, procurement, payroll administration, purchasing, reconciliations, banking and financial compliance.
• Manage HR processes including recruitment administration, workforce data, staff absence monitoring, payroll changes and maintenance of the Single Central Record.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR and statutory compliance requirements are consistently met and monitored.
• Lead facilities and estates management, including maintenance planning, service contracts, capital projects, premises compliance and site development.
• Line manage administration, premises and catering teams, supporting performance management, professional development and staff wellbeing.
• Provide operational leadership and specialist advice to senior leaders and governors, contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Skills

Operational leadership

Financial management

HR processes

Procurement

Stakeholder liaison

Team leadership

Safeguarding & compliance

Education

GCSEs (or equivalent)

Job description

Operations Manager - Kingfisher Primary Academy, Doncaster

Full Time | Permanent
Salary: £32,295 - £36,897 actual salary
Closing Date: 27th September with interviews scheduled in for 6th October

Are you solutions-focused, resilient and able to identify opportunities to improve systems and processes? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and priorities can change quickly?

Kingfisher Primary Academy is a welcoming and inclusive school at the heart of its community, where every child is encouraged to achieve their best. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, we combine high aspirations with a supportive and nurturing culture, creating an environment where pupils and staff can thrive. Colleagues work together with a shared commitment to ensuring every child is known, valued and supported to succeed, while benefiting from a strong focus on professional development, wellbeing and collaboration. Kingfisher is a place where teamwork is valued, relationships matter and every member of staff has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Operations Manager to join our leadership team. Reporting to the Principal and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the school's operational functions, ensuring they effectively support the delivery of an excellent education. As the academy's lead for finance, HR and compliance, and the key link between the school and central trust teams, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the academy operates efficiently, remains compliant and provides a safe, well-managed environment for pupils and staff.

The successful candidate will be an organised, solutions-focused leader with strong operational experience and the ability to manage a varied workload. You will have a significant impact on the continued success of the academy by ensuring robust systems, effective processes and high-quality support across all operational areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the academy's operational functions across finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, ensuring the smooth running of the school.
• Act as the primary liaison between the academy and central trust teams, providing expert operational support and advice.
• Oversee financial processes including budgeting support, procurement, payroll administration, purchasing, reconciliations, banking and financial compliance.
• Manage HR processes including recruitment administration, workforce data, staff absence monitoring, payroll changes and maintenance of the Single Central Record.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, GDPR and statutory compliance requirements are consistently met and monitored.
• Lead facilities and estates management, including maintenance planning, service contracts, capital projects, premises compliance and site development.
• Line manage administration, premises and catering teams, supporting performance management, professional development and staff wellbeing.
• Provide operational leadership and specialist advice to senior leaders and governors, contributing to strategic planning and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including a good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and relevant training.
• Experience leading operational, business, finance or administrative functions within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budget monitoring and procurement processes.
• Experience managing HR processes, employee records and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Confident leadership skills and experience managing and developing teams.
• A commitment to safeguarding, integrity, accountability and delivering exceptional service within an education environment.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a genuine impact within a successful and ambitious primary academy.
• Access to excellent professional development and career progression opportunities across Astrea Academy Trust.
• A supportive leadership team committed to collaboration and continuous improvement.
• A positive and inclusive working environment where staff wellbeing is valued.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Comprehensive employee wellbeing support and initiatives.
• The chance to work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about improving outcomes for children.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks. We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to promoting a culture that ensures there are no barriers to the recruitment, development, and progression of disabled staff across the trust. We provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process to ensure disabled job applicants have the best opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.