School Director Of Operations and Contract Management

Principal Education; Ealing; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic educational institution in Ealing is seeking an experienced School Contracts / Operations Manager to oversee contracts and operational services in the school. The ideal candidate will have a background in contracts management and operations, and be responsible for ensuring compliance and high standards across non-teaching operations. Strong negotiation and communication skills are essential. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving secondary school environment.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Professional development opportunities

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contracts management, operations management, or facilities management.
• Strong understanding of procurement and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor all school contracts and operational services.
• Lead procurement processes and contract renewals.
• Ensure compliance with statutory and health & safety requirements.

Skills

Contracts management

Operations management

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Job description

School Contracts / Operations Manager

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: As soon as possible

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised School Contracts / Operations Manager to play a key role in the effective operational management of the school. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with a background in contracts management, estates, facilities, or operations to work within a thriving and ambitious secondary school environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing contracts, suppliers, and operational services, ensuring value for money, compliance, and high standards across the school's non-teaching operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and monitor all school contracts, including cleaning, catering, maintenance, ICT, and other external service providers
• Lead procurement processes, contract renewals, tendering, and performance reviews
• Ensure compliance with statutory, financial, and health & safety requirements
• Oversee day-to-day operational services, including site, estates, and facilities management
• Work closely with senior leaders, finance teams, and external partners to support the smooth running of the school
• Monitor budgets related to contracts and operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and best value
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors and stakeholders
• Contribute to strategic planning for school operations and continuous improvement

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Proven experience in contracts management, operations management, facilities management, or a similar role
• Strong understanding of procurement, contract performance management, and compliance
• Excellent organisational, negotiation, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• Experience working in an education or public sector environment (desirable, but not essential)
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong attention to detail

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• The opportunity to make a real impact on the operational success of a high-performing school
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience