School Operations Manager

Lift Bexleyheath; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Lift Bexleyheath is seeking a proactive School Operations Manager to lead day-to-day operations, finance, facilities and compliance. You'll bring together HR, IT, catering and admin to keep the school running smoothly, safely and efficiently, with a hands-on approach and strong relationship building across teams.

Located just 30 minutes from central London, the role offers visibility, problem solving and opportunities to improve systems while delivering a high-quality environment for students

Qualifications

• Experience in school operations or business support.
• Experience leading teams and coordinating multiple functions.
• Knowledge of facilities management, health & safety and data protection.
• Ability to manage procurement, budgets and financial processes.
• Strong communication skills and relationship building with staff and external partners.

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.

Skills

Operational leadership

Facilities management

Project management

Health & safety

Data protection

HR coordination

Procurement & finance

Budget administration

Communications

Stakeholder management

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.