School Operations Manager

Lift Schools; Bexleyheath; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD programme

External CPD networks

Pension and healthcare benefits

Gym discounts and travel deals

Job summary

Lift Schools in London area is seeking a School Operations Manager for Lift Bexleyheath to lead finance, facilities, compliance, administration and health & safety, uniting multiple functions to keep the school running smoothly.

This hands-on role is visible across the school and Trust, guiding teams, coordinating contractors, and building relationships with staff and external partners to drive efficient operations and a safe, positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience leading school operations or business support.
• Ability to coordinate facilities, safety, HR and procurement.
• Proven track record of improving operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead administration and operational teams across the school.
• Drive compliance, health & safety and data protection.
• Oversee facilities, estates, catering, cleaning and IT services.
• Support HR coordination including recruitment and budget administration.
• Coordinate staffing cover and key people processes.
• Manage lettings, transport, communications and logistics.
• Link school with central and regional support teams.
• Contribute to marketing plans and brand guidelines; manage website/social media.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems and processes.

Skills

School operations

Facilities management

Project management

HR coordination

Budget management

Health & safety

Data protection

Vendor management

Tools

MS Office

Job description

The role that keeps the school running.

Every great school needs someone who makes things happen.

About the role

As School Operations Manager at Lift Bexleyheath, you'll be the operational leader who keeps the school running smoothly, safely and efficiently. From finance and facilities to compliance, administration and health & safety, you'll bring together multiple functions and make sure everything works seamlessly.

This is a role where you'll be visible, hands-on and making a difference every day. You'll solve problems, lead teams, work with contractors and partners, support colleagues and build strong relationships across the school and wider Trust. No two days will be the same.

Key responsibilities

• Leading the school's administration and operational teams, ensuring high standards across all areas.
• Driving high standards of compliance, health & safety and data protection.
• Overseeing facilities, estates, catering, cleaning and IT services.
• Supporting HR coordination, including recruitment, induction, performance management, procurement, finance and budget administration.
• Coordinating staffing cover and key people processes.
• Managing lettings, transport, communications and wider operational logistics.
• Acting as the key link between the school and central and regional support teams.
• Support with the creation and implementation of the school marketing plan; ensure school follows Trust-wide brand guidelines; manage school website and social media.
• Identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes and the overall efficiency of school operations.

What we're looking for

You’ll be an organised, proactive and highly capable operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys finding practical solutions to challenges.

You may already have experience in:

• School operations or school business support.
• Facilities or estates management.
• Project or operations management.
• Hospitality, events or service delivery.
• Another operational leadership role where you’ve managed competing priorities and delivered high standards.

Most importantly, you’ll be:

• A natural problem solver who takes initiative and gets things done.
• Calm and confident under pressure.
• An excellent communicator and relationship builder.
• Comfortable leading, supporting and developing teams.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Someone who takes pride in creating a safe, well-run and positive environment.
• Committed to making a real difference to the lives of young people.

Simply put, you’ll be the person who spots issues, finds solutions and gets things done.

About Lift Bexleyheath:

Lift Bexleyheath is a welcoming and ambitious secondary school with a strong community ethos and a clear focus on continuous improvement.

Located just 30 minutes from central London, we’re investing in our future, including a brand-new sixth form centre and improved learning environments. You’ll be joining a committed team with high expectations and a shared determination to provide an excellent education for every student.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is a diverse and inclusive network of 62 schools, united by one clear mission:

To provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.

Just as we want our pupils to thrive, we want our staff to feel empowered to do their best work, supported by strong leadership and a culture of collaboration and development.

We offer you

• Acomprehensive and bespoke CPD programme, including weekly development sessions led by senior leaders and the Teaching & Learning Coach
• Access to external subject-specificCPD and Trust-wide networks
• Generous benefits, including pension and healthcare support
• Lifestyle perks, including gym discounts and travel deals

• School Operations Manager Job Description.pdf