Operations Manager

Shorefields; Tendring; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

LIFE Education Trust is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to run the day-to-day operations of two schools in the North East Essex Hub: Spring Meadow Primary School in Harwich and The Haefen, our provision for students with social, emotional and mental health needs.

Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operating Officer, you will oversee finance, HR, site management and operations to ensure smooth, efficient daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the administration, site and catering teams across both schools
• Prepare and manage monthly budgets, forecasts and long-term budget plans, explaining variances clearly to senior leaders
• Act as the first point of contact for HR, overseeing contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and the Single Central Record
• Ensure both sites are safe and compliant with health and safety legislation, and manage lettings and community use
• Identify and resolve operational challenges, streamline processes and contribute to strategic planning
• Build strong links between LIFE Central and the schools, coordinating Trust-wide IT and marketing initiatives
• Bring excellent organisation, sound judgement and a collaborative, values-led approach

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 18/11/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: TBC

Job Title: Operations Manager - Harwich
Salary Range: Grade 7 Spine point 30-34 (£42,123 -£46,579)
This post could attract a recruitment and retention allowance, paid in
addition to the salary.
Reporting to: Chief Finance & Operating Officer
Location: Harwich and Manningtree
Type: Permanent
Start date: As soon as possible
Hours: 36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Liasion With: Chief Executive Officer, Executive Headteachers, Headteachers, SLT,
colleagues, the LIFE Central team, contractors, the public and other agencies.
Line Management: Administrative Support Officers, Site Manager and Catering.

Job Purpose:

We are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of two schools in our North East Essex Hub: Spring Meadow Primary School in Harwich and The Haefen, our specialist provision for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. Reporting to the Chief Finance & Operating Officer, you will lead across finance, HR, site management and operations, putting operational best practice in place and managing resources effectively so that both schools run smoothly and efficiently every day. This is a permanent, full-time role (36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) based across Harwich and Manningtree, starting as soon as possible. The salary is Grade 7, spine points 30-34 (£42,123 - £46,579), and the post could attract 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 administration, site and catering teams across both schools
• Prepare and manage monthly budgets, forecasts and long-term budget plans, explaining variances clearly to senior leaders
• Act as the first point of contact for HR, overseeing contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and the Single Central Record
• Ensure both sites are safe and compliant with health and safety legislation, and manage lettings and community use
• Identify and resolve operational challenges, streamline processes and contribute to strategic planning
• Build strong links between LIFE Central and the schools, 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 across two schools with their own distinctive identities, working closely with the Executive Headteacher, Headteachers 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.

Why Choose LIFE Education Trust

Information about the School

Spring Meadow Primary School and Nursery is a successful and oversubscribed community school located in the heart of the seaside town of Harwich and we are part of the LIFE Education Trust. 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' and 'Heartfelt Compassion'. We believe in helping colleagues and pupils achieve their personal best and we strive to recruit first class talent for our Trust.

We are looking for individuals who share our passion for providing excellent learning environments, making our schools the best they can be and having a positive impact in the community. You will be joining an organisation that can offer you many opportunities to progress and make a real difference.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Mrs Nicky Patrick
Pound Farm Drive
Dovercourt, Harwich
Essex, CO12 4LB Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]