School Operations Manager — Finance, HR & Estates

Astrea Academy Trust; Rotherham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Wellbeing support

Career progression opportunities

Inclusive working environment

Job summary

Gooseacre Primary Academy, part of Astrea Academy Trust, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join the leadership team. You will oversee finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, ensuring a safe, well‑managed environment where children can flourish.

You will work closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team and central Trust services to drive continuous improvement and strategic operations.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) with a good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and relevant training.
• Experience within an administrative, business, operations or school business management environment.
• Experience managing a varied workload across multiple operational functions.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience leading, supporting and developing teams.
• Excellent IT skills and confidence working with systems, data and reporting tools.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, families and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the academy's operational functions across finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school.
• Act as the primary link between the academy and Astrea Academy Trust central teams, ensuring effective communication and support.
• Support financial management activities including procurement, purchase orders, budgeting, banking, payroll administration and financial compliance.
• Manage HR processes including sickness absence monitoring, payroll changes, recruitment administration, workforce records and maintenance of the Single Central Record.
• Oversee facilities and estates management, maintenance planning, service contracts, compliance testing and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure the academy meets statutory responsibilities relating to safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and operational compliance.
• Line manage administration, premises and catering teams, supporting performance, wellbeing and professional development.
• Provide operational leadership, guidance and specialist advice to senior leaders, governors and other stakeholders.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

GCSEs

Tools

IT systems & reporting tools

Job description

Gooseacre Primary Academy, part of Astrea Academy Trust, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to join the leadership team. You will oversee finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, ensuring a safe, well‑managed environment where children can flourish.

You will work closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team and central Trust services to drive continuous improvement and strategic operations.