Operations Manager

LIFE Education Trust (UK); Romford; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls and The Bridge in Romford form part of LIFE Education Trust, recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to run day-to-day operations across both schools on one site. This is a permanent, full-time role (36 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) starting 1 January 2027 or earlier.

Salary is Grade 9, spine points 40–44 (£56,058 – £60,390) with a recruitment and retention allowance paid in addition.

Responsibilities

• Share our commitment to building great learning communities where children flourish
• Lead and develop the Hub’s operations team, including people, finance, administration, cover and site colleagues
• Prepare and manage budgets and forecasts, explain variances clearly to senior leaders, and lead Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP)
• Oversee HR processes, including contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and the Single Central Record
• Lead the strategic management of the school premises, health and safety compliance, lettings and the catering contract
• Manage contracts in line with procurement law and the Trust’s financial regulations, identifying opportunities to save costs
• Build strong links between LIFE Central and the Hub, coordinating Trust-wide IT and marketing initiatives
• Bring excellent organisation, sound judgement and a collaborative, values-led approach

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of our Havering Secondary Hub: The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls and The Bridge, which share a site in Romford serving around 1,500 pupils with around 200 staff. Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operating Officer, you will lead across finance, HR, site management and operations, putting best practice in place and managing resources effectively so that our schools run smoothly and efficiently every day. This is a permanent, full-time role (36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) starting 1st January 2027, or sooner if possible. The salary is Grade 9, spine points 40–44 (£56,058 – £60,390), and the post attracts a recruitment and retention allowance paid in addition to salary.

You will:

• Share our commitment to building great learning communities where children flourish
• Lead and develop the Hub’s operations team, including people, finance, administration, cover and site colleagues
• Prepare and manage budgets and forecasts, explain variances clearly to senior leaders, and lead Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP)
• Oversee HR processes, including contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and the Single Central Record
• Lead the strategic management of the school premises, health and safety compliance, lettings and the catering contract
• Manage contracts in line with procurement law and the Trust’s financial regulations, identifying opportunities to save costs
• Build strong links between LIFE Central and the Hub, coordinating Trust-wide IT and marketing initiatives
• Bring excellent organisation, sound judgement and a collaborative, values-led approach

The successful candidate will join a supportive and ambitious team at the heart of two thriving schools, working closely with the Executive Headteacher, Headteacher and our central team. You will make a real difference to how our schools run, and be supported to keep developing your skills and career within a growing Trust.

Our Way of LIFE

Our Purpose is 'To build great learning communities where children flourish’ and at LIFE Education Trust we work collaboratively to ensure that everything we do can positively impact the lives of our pupils and employees.

To accomplish our purpose, we use our 3 core beliefs: ‘Courageous Optimism’, ‘Boundless Creativity’ & ‘Heartfelt Compassion’. We believe in helping colleagues and pupils achieve their personal best and we strive to recruit first class talent for our Trust.

References and DBS Checks

All offers of appointment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references. LIFE Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the DBS.

Inclusion

As a Trust, we are committed to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture, and values diversity. We will ensure that the selection process is fair and without discrimination for or against any candidate based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. The person specification sets out the criteria used to assess candidates through the selection process.