Operations Manager - Harwich

LIFE Education Trust; Parkeston; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

LIFE Education Trust is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of two schools in the North East Essex Hub—Spring Meadow Primary in Harwich and The Haefen, our SEMH specialist provision. You will report to the Chief Finance & Operating Officer and oversee finance, HR, site management and operations to ensure smooth daily running.

The role is permanent, full-time (36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) based across Harwich and Manningtree, with a salary of Grade 7,

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of two schools in the North East Essex Hub: Spring Meadow Primary (Harwich) and The Haefen (specialist SEMH provision) across finance, HR, site management and operations.
• Prepare and manage monthly budgets, forecasts and long-term budget plans, explaining variances to senior leaders.
• Act as the first point of contact for HR, overseeing contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and the Single Central Record.
• Ensure 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.

Job description

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 Trust's 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, LIFE Education Trust is opening a new independent special school to support pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The Haefen, set in a beautiful open location, on farmland, with access to woodland and a private beach area, aims to create a nurturing, structured and inclusive learning environment where every young person feels safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential. Subject to DfE approval, we hope that this incredible school will be ready to welcome pupils in the Autumn Term. Our school will provide a highly supportive setting with small class sizes, a strong pastoral approach and a dedicated team committed to improving outcomes for children who may have experienced barriers to learning in mainstream education. We aim to inspire and nurture every child so that they can live, believe, and achieve their true potential. 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 Please be aware that some uploaded documents may require special software such as Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.

• Candidate Pack
  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.