Operations Manager

St Gabriel's School, Newbury; Newbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary lunches

Concession days

Enhanced pension

Staff discounts platform

24/7 online GP

Free annual flu jab

Discounted activity camps

Job summary

St Gabriel’s School in Newbury is seeking an experienced operational leader to head the full breadth of the school's estates and facilities function. You will set strategic estate planning, deliver capital projects and manage day-to-day operations, reporting to the Bursar.

You'll oversee facilities, maintenance, cleaning and caretaking, manage contracts and suppliers, and drive budget planning, health and safety compliance and continuous improvement to maximise facility use and income.

Qualifications

• Experience managing facilities or operational services in a complex organisation.
• Strong leadership and track record of developing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience across health and safety compliance, contractor management and procurement.
• Budget management experience; financial awareness.
• Management or health and safety qualification advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic estate planning, capital projects and day-to-day delivery.
• Oversee facilities, maintenance, cleaning and caretaking services.
• Manage contracts and supplier relationships for value for money.
• Support Bursar with operational planning, budgets and improvements.
• Promote health and safety and monitor compliance.
• Coordinate events, lettings and major functions to maximise facility utilisation and income.

Skills

Facilities management

Leadership

Health and safety compliance

Contract management

Budget management

Education

Management qualification

Job description

This is a rare opportunity to lead the full breadth of a school's operational function, from strategic estate planning and capital projects to hands‑on day‑to‑day delivery, reporting directly to the Bursar. You'll oversee facilities, maintenance, cleaning, and caretaking services, manage contracts and supplier relationships to ensure high standards and value for money, and support the effective management and development of the School estate.

You’ll also promote and monitor compliance with health and safety legislation and best practice, coordinate the operational delivery of school events, lettings and major functions with a focus on maximising facility utilisation and income, and support the Bursar with operational planning, budgets and continuous improvement initiatives. It's a role with genuine scope to shape how things are run, balancing big-picture strategy with the operational grip to make things happen.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a highly organised, solutions-focused operational leader with significant experience managing facilities or operational services within a complex organisation. You'll bring strong leadership skills, a track record of developing multidisciplinary teams, and experience across health and safety compliance, contractor management and procurement. Strong financial awareness and budget management experience are essential. A relevant management or health and safety qualification would be advantageous, though substantial practical experience will also be considered.

Working at St Gabriel’s

St Gabriel’s is a thriving independent school that values its staff as much as its students. We are committed to providing a positive, supportive and inclusive working environment where colleagues are recognised for their contribution.

Located in Newbury, the school benefits from good transport links and free on‑site parking. In addition to a competitive salary, staff enjoy a range of benefits including:

• Complimentary lunches and refreshments during term time
• Concession days including an annual Christmas closure
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Access to a staff discounts platform
• 24/7 online GP and nurse practitioner support
• Free annual flu jab
• Discounted Ultimate Activity holiday camps

Closing date: 21 August 2026. Interviews: w/c 24 August 2026 Applications will be considered as they are received and early application is encouraged.

St Gabriel’s School values diversity, promotes equality and is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.