School Operations Manager – Outstanding Secondary School – Lewisham, London

Marchant Recruitment; Lewisham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Marchant Recruitment is seeking an experienced School Operations Manager for an outstanding secondary school in Lewisham, London. You will oversee non-teaching functions, coordinate facilities, administration, procurement and health and safety, ensuring the site remains safe, secure and well-run to support teaching and learning.

Working with senior leaders, you will manage budgets, monitor service standards, coordinate contractors, and drive practical improvements to systems.

Qualifications

• Experience in operations, facilities management or business administration.
• Proven leadership with ability to manage priorities.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication with staff, leaders and external providers.

Responsibilities

• Oversee non-teaching operational functions to support teaching and learning.
• Coordinate facilities, administration, procurement and health and safety.
• Ensure site safety, security and fit-for-purpose condition; liaise with contractors.
• Review processes, monitor expenditure and ensure value for money.
• Lead administrative and support staff and improve systems.

Skills

Operations management

Facilities management

Business administration

Leadership

Organisational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Job description

School Operations Manager – Outstanding Secondary School – Lewisham, London

Location: Lewisham, London

Start Date: As soon as possible

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

School Information

An Outstanding secondary school in Lewisham is seeking an experienced and proactive School Operations Manager to oversee its operational services and help ensure the effective day-to-day running of the school. The school has high expectations for its pupils and staff, with a strong commitment to academic achievement, personal development and maintaining a safe, well-organised learning environment.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated senior leadership and support team, working across several operational areas to ensure that resources, facilities and administrative services meet the needs of the school community. This position would suit an organised professional who can manage competing priorities, lead support teams and implement practical improvements to existing systems.

The Role

The School Operations Manager will oversee a range of non-teaching functions, ensuring that the school's operational arrangements support effective teaching and learning. Working closely with senior leaders, the postholder will coordinate facilities, administration, procurement, health and safety procedures and wider support services.

A key responsibility will be ensuring that the school site remains safe, secure and fit for purpose. The successful applicant will work with premises staff and external contractors to coordinate maintenance, monitor service standards and ensure that issues are addressed promptly. They will also help oversee compliance documentation, risk assessments and relevant health and safety procedures.

The role will involve reviewing operational processes, monitoring expenditure and ensuring that supplies and services represent good value for money. The postholder will liaise with suppliers, negotiate service arrangements where appropriate and maintain accurate records relating to contracts, maintenance and purchasing.

The Operations Manager will also support the management of administrative and support staff, helping establish clear responsibilities, consistent procedures and effective communication between departments. They will identify areas where systems can be improved and introduce practical solutions that make everyday processes more efficient.

Additional responsibilities may include supporting emergency planning, coordinating arrangements for school events, assisting with premises-related projects and preparing operational reports for senior leaders and governors.

Requirements

Applicants should have experience in operations, facilities management, business administration or a similar leadership position. Experience within a school or another large organisation would be advantageous.

Candidates must demonstrate strong organisational and problem-solving skills, alongside the ability to manage contractors, oversee budgets and coordinate multiple responsibilities. Excellent communication skills and a sound understanding of health and safety procedures are essential.

The successful applicant will be confident making decisions, maintaining accurate records and working collaboratively with teaching staff, senior leaders and external service providers.

What the School Offers

The school offers the opportunity to take ownership of important operational functions and contribute to the effectiveness of a busy educational environment. The successful candidate will work with a supportive leadership team and have scope to improve systems, coordinate projects and develop their operational management experience.