Operations Manager | Forward-Thinking & Modern Secondary School | Reading

Marchant Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking an astute Operations Manager to oversee non-teaching operational services at a large Reading secondary school. You will work directly with the Headteacher and SLT to optimise facilities, estates, admin workflows, health and safety, compliance, and external contracts.

This role requires proven leadership, strategic planning, and strong project management to ensure safe, efficient, and financially sound operations that support outstanding educational outcomes.

Qualifications

• Degree or Level 4–6 qualification in Business Operations, Management, or Facilities Management (e.g., IWFM).
• IOSH or NEBOSH health and safety certifications preferred.
• Proven experience in operational management within educational or public/private sector settings.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily school administrative operations, optimise workflows, data compliance, and communications.
• Line-manage estates, facilities, and site teams to meet safety and maintenance standards.
• Oversee SLAs for catering, cleaning, ICT support, and equipment maintenance.
• Lead health and safety protocols, risk assessments, emergency plans, and site security.
• Coordinate events, exams, parent evenings, and community lettings to maximise income.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Operational compliance

Digital management software

Education

Degree in Business Operations / Management / Facilities Management

Job description

CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking an astute, strategic Operations Manager to oversee non-teaching operational services across our school campus. Working directly alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will manage daily school operations, estates and premises, administrative workflows, health and safety, compliance, and third-party service contracts, ensuring resources and facilities are optimized to support exceptional educational outcomes.

THE SCHOOL

Set in a bright, modern campus featuring high-tech learning hubs, extensive outdoor sports grounds, and dedicated community spaces, this vibrant secondary school serves a diverse cohort of over 1,000 pupils. The school combines high academic ambition with a supportive, values-driven culture where operational support teams are valued as central to whole-school success. The operations department functions as the strategic backbone of the school, bringing together office administration, premises management, ICT, and compliance personnel into a unified team that keeps the school running smoothly, safely, and efficiently every day.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Operational & Administrative Leadership: Direct daily school administrative operations, optimizing office workflows, data compliance (GDPR), and whole-school communication systems.

• Estates & Facilities Oversight: Line-manage premises and site teams, ensuring statutory maintenance, health and safety compliance, cleaning, and capital development projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Contract & SLA Management: Oversee and evaluate external service-level agreements (SLAs), including catering services, cleaning, ICT support, and specialist equipment maintenance contracts.

• Health, Safety & Risk Management: Lead school-wide health and safety protocols, managing risk assessments, emergency response plans, fire safety procedures, and site security routines.

• Event & Lettings Coordination: Manage logistics for major school events, examinations, parent evenings, and out-of-hours community lettings to maximize venue utilization and commercial income.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Degree or Level 4–6 qualification in Business Operations, Management, Facilities Management (e.g., IWFM), or IOSH/NEBOSH health and safety certifications.

• Experience: Proven track record in operational management, facilities oversight, or business management within an educational setting, trust, or complex public/private sector organization.

• Skills: Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities, strong project management skills, deep understanding of operational compliance, and proficiency with digital management software.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Based in the bustling Berkshire town of Reading, the school serves an ambitious, welcoming, and culturally diverse local community. As a major economic hub in the Thames Valley, Reading offers an outstanding quality of life, blending historic landmarks like Reading Abbey, vibrant shopping districts along the Oracle, and scenic riverfronts along the Thames and Kennet.

• Transport & Commuting: Reading boasts world-class regional transport infrastructure, situated with immediate road access via the M4 motorway (Junctions 10, 11, and 12) and A33 corridors. Public transit is exceptional, featuring comprehensive Reading Buses networks and major rail connectivity via Reading Station—a principal hub on the Elizabeth line and Great Western Railway network, offering rapid direct routes into London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol, and Heathrow Airport.