School Operations Manager

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

Are you an organised, proactive and confident operations professional who enjoys making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly?

Lift Hamford is looking for a School Operations Manager to lead the day‑day operational running of the school and provide high‑quality support across HR, finance, estates, IT, compliance and administration. This is a key role within the school, helping to create the conditions that allow the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to focus on delivering an excellent education for every child.

About the role

As School Operations Manager, you will act as the main link between Lift Hamford and Lift Schools' regional and central teams, ensuring operational processes are managed effectively and information is shared accurately and promptly.

You will oversee a broad range of school operations, including HR administration, recruitment support, finance processes, estates and facilities, IT coordination, health and safety, data protection, procurement, catering and cleaning arrangements, marketing and school communications.

You will also lead and coordinate key in‑school operational activity, which may include front office administration, events, the school calendar, trips, lettings, wraparound care, cover arrangements, staff induction and training, stock and statutory information. You will line manage relevant colleagues and help ensure the school remains compliant, organised and responsive.

In this role, you will:

• Act as the key operational 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 relevant operational and administrative staff, setting clear expectations and supporting their development.
• Coordinate key school operations including events, the calendar, trips, lettings, wraparound care, cover, induction, training and communications.
• Support the school's marketing activity, website, social media and compliance with Lift Schools' brand standards.
• Manage competing priorities effectively and respond calmly and professionally when circumstances change.

What we're looking for

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or equivalent, together with Level 3 qualifications such as A levels or equivalent.
• An operational background, with some level of expertise across HR, finance, estates and/or IT.
• Experience of line managing a team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, work effectively independently and as part of a team, and think clearly under pressure.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues, families, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to solve problems and respond effectively to changing or high‑pressure situations.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to develop and support others.
• High levels of confidentiality, resilience, flexibility and professional judgement.
• A bachelor's degree or equivalent, experience in an educational environment or budget management, IT literacy with Google Workspace, a Level 4 School Business Professional qualification (or willingness to work towards one), and/or experience developing or leading a network group would be desirable.

About Lift Hamford

Lift Hamford is a vibrant school within the Lift Schools network, rated ‘Good' (November 2022), serving our coastal community. We are proud to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where high‑quality teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do.

Our staff work collaboratively to ensure all pupils thrive academically and personally.

Our nursery, which opened in January 2026, is now an important part of our school community, helping us to support children and families from the very start of their educational journey.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.

Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you:How we support you

• Safer Recruitment Statement - September 2026.pdf
• School Operations Manager Job Description.pdf