Operations Manager - Havering Secondary Hub

LIFE Education Trust; Romford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment and retention allowance

Professional development support

Job summary

LIFE Education Trust is seeking an Operations Manager for the Havering Secondary Hub, overseeing finance, HR, site and operational functions for ~1,500 pupils and 200 staff on a single site.

The role reports to the Chief Finance & Operating Officer and focuses on budgets, premises compliance, contract management and cross-team collaboration within the Trust.

Qualifications

• Experience as an operations manager, ideally in an education setting.
• Ability to manage budgets, HR processes and administrative functions.
• Strong governance, risk awareness and compliance mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Hub's operations team including people, finance, admin, cover and site colleagues.
• Oversee finance, HR, site management and operations with effective resource use.
• Prepare and manage budgets and forecasts; explain variances to senior leaders.
• Oversee HR processes including contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and SCR.
• Manage premises health & safety, lettings and the catering contract.
• Procure and manage contracts in line with procurement law and Trust regulations; identify cost savings.

Skills

Excellent organisation

Sound judgement

Values-led leadership

Job description

Operations Manager for the Havering Secondary Hub, which combines The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls and The Bridge on one shared site for LIFE Education Trust. The post runs the hub's finance, HR, site and operational functions, covering budgets, premises compliance and contract management. It reports to the Chief Finance & Operating Officer and leads an operations team serving around 1,500 pupils and 200 staff. Visa sponsorship is not available, and the post starts on 1 January 2027 or sooner.

What the job involves

• Lead the Hub's operations team, including people, finance, administration, cover and site colleagues
• Lead across finance, HR, site management and operations, managing resources effectively
• Prepare and manage budgets and forecasts, explain variances to senior leaders and lead ICFP
• Oversee HR processes, including contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and the Single Central Record
• Lead the strategic management of school premises, health and safety compliance, lettings and the catering contract
• Manage contracts in line with procurement law and Trust financial regulations, identifying cost savings
• Build links between LIFE Central and the Hub, coordinating Trust-wide IT and marketing initiatives

What’s required

Experience

• Experience as an operations manager

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent organisation
• Sound judgement
• Collaborative, values-led approach

Checks & eligibility

• Satisfactory references
• Child protection screening appropriate to the post, including DBS and checks with past employers

What’s offered

• Recruitment and retention allowance paid in addition to salary
• Support to keep developing skills and career within a growing Trust