School Operations Lead - HR, Finance & IT

Lift Schools; Tendring; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Hamford, part of the Lift Schools network, is seeking a proactive School Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations across HR, finance, estates, IT and compliance. You’ll ensure smooth admin, recruitment support, procurement, safety and data protection while coordinating events and communications.

You will line-manage staff, drive process improvements and maintain strong relationships with families, suppliers and colleagues in a dynamic educational environment.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or equivalent, together with Level 3 qualifications such as A levels or equivalent.
• Operational background with HR, finance, estates and/or IT experience.
• Experience of line managing a team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, work independently and in a team.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues, families, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Proactive and solutions-focused approach to problems and changing circumstances.
• Clear communication skills and ability to develop and support others.
• High levels of confidentiality, resilience, flexibility and professional judgement.
• Desirable: education environment or budget management experience and IT literacy with Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main link between the school and Lift Schools' regional and central HR, Talent, Finance, Estates and IT teams.
• Support recruitment and HR processes, including interview administration, employment checks, absence processes and payroll changes.
• Coordinate finance administration including purchase orders, invoicing, banking and finance queries.
• Lead on operational compliance including health and safety, first aid, visitor DBS processes and data protection.
• Oversee relationships and arrangements relating to estates, facilities, catering, cleaning, procurement and IT.
• Line manage operational and administrative staff, setting expectations and supporting development.
• Coordinate school operations including events, calendar, trips, lettings, wraparound care, cover, induction, training and communications.
• Support marketing activity, website, social media and brand compliance.

Skills

Organisational skills

Time management

Relationship building

Proactive problem solving

Clear communication

Discretion & judgement

Resilience & flexibility

Professional ethics

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Level 4 School Business Professional qualification (or willingness to work towards one)

GCSE Maths & English Grade 4 or equivalent

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Lift Hamford, part of the Lift Schools network, is seeking a proactive School Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations across HR, finance, estates, IT and compliance. You’ll ensure smooth admin, recruitment support, procurement, safety and data protection while coordinating events and communications.

You will line-manage staff, drive process improvements and maintain strong relationships with families, suppliers and colleagues in a dynamic educational environment.