School Operations And Contracts Manager

Principal Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Recruitment seeks an experienced School Operations & Contracts Manager for a Catholic secondary school in West London. The role oversees site operations, facilities, contracts and support services to ensure safe, efficient day-to-day running.

You will work with SLT and staff to own operational processes, contractor management, premises compliance and facilities improvements, maintaining a well‑functioning learning environment for pupils and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience in an Operations Manager/Contracts Manager role.
• Experience managing contractors and service-level agreements.
• Strong understanding of premises management, health and safety, compliance.
• Experience overseeing budgets, procurement and contract negotiations.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operational management of the school premises and facilities.
• Manage external contractors, suppliers and service providers.
• Monitor contracts, renewals and procurement processes.
• Ensure health and safety and statutory compliance.
• Coordinate planned preventative maintenance, repairs and reactive maintenance.
• Manage budgets relating to premises, facilities, contracts and operational services.
• Review supplier performance and negotiate costs.
• Oversee site staff and coordinate responsibilities to ensure the effective running of the school.
• Support the management of security, access arrangements, cleaning, catering and other essential school services.
• Maintain accurate records, compliance documentation, risk assessments and contractor information.
• Coordinate site arrangements for school events, lettings and out-of-hours activities.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to identify operational improvements and support the school's strategic objectives.

Skills

Operations Mgmt

Contract Mgmt

Premises Mgmt

Budgeting

Health & Safety

Procurement

Vendor Management

Communication Skills

Job description

School Operations & Contracts Manager

Start Date: ASAP/January
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, highly organised and proactive School Operations & Contracts Manager to join a successful and welcoming Catholic secondary school in West London.

This is a key operational position, responsible for overseeing the school's site operations, facilities, contracts and support services, ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the school.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and wider school staff, the successful candidate will take ownership of operational processes, contractor management, premises compliance and facilities, helping to maintain a safe, secure and well-maintained learning environment for pupils and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the school premises and facilities.

• Manage external contractors, suppliers and service providers, ensuring work is completed to the required standards.

• Monitor and manage contracts, service agreements, renewals and procurement processes.

• Ensure statutory compliance across health and safety, fire safety, building maintenance and other relevant school regulations.

• Coordinate planned preventative maintenance, repairs and reactive maintenance.

• Manage budgets relating to premises, facilities, contracts and operational services.

• Review supplier performance, negotiate costs and identify opportunities to improve value for money.

• Oversee site staff and coordinate responsibilities to ensure the effective running of the school.

• Support the management of security, access arrangements, cleaning, catering and other essential school services.

• Maintain accurate records, compliance documentation, risk assessments and contractor information.

• Coordinate site arrangements for school events, lettings and out-of-hours activities.

• Work collaboratively with senior leaders to identify operational improvements and support the school's strategic objectives.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Previous experience in an Operations Manager, School Business Manager, Facilities Manager or Contracts Manager position.

• Experience managing contractors, suppliers and service-level agreements.

• A strong understanding of premises management, health and safety and statutory compliance.

• Experience overseeing budgets, procurement and contract negotiations.

• Excellent organisational, administrative and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

• The confidence to work independently and take ownership of operational responsibilities.

• Experience within a school, academy, education setting or public sector environment would be highly advantageous.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a pivotal role within an established Catholic secondary school, where you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the school's operational effectiveness.

You will be joining a supportive environment and working closely with senior leadership, with responsibility for ensuring the school continues to provide a safe, efficien