Secondary Operations & Business Manager

TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust); Crawley; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous pension

Cycle to work

24/7 confidential counselling

Job summary

Thomas Bennett Community College, Crawley, part of TKAT, invites applications for a Secondary Operations & Business Manager. The role leads non-teaching academy operations, optimizes resources, and drives operational excellence across estates, facilities, health and safety, HR, and finance in a multi-site Trust environment.

The post requires strategic vision, resilience, and strong communication with school leadership and central Trust teams.

Qualifications

• Holds a professional qualification in School Business Management (e.g., Level 5 Diploma / DSBM or equivalent).
• Experience as a trusted advisor on budgeting, forecasting and resource allocation.
• Leads and line manages core operational teams including administrative staff and Premises Manager.

Responsibilities

• Lead non-teaching academy functions and optimize resources daily.
• Oversee estates, facilities, health and safety, HR/people operations, and financial management.
• Collaborate with school leadership, direct local teams, and interface with central Trust functions.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities and clear communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Support the safeguarding and governance framework in line with Trust policies.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Stakeholder communication

Education

Level 5 Diploma / DSBM or equivalent

Tools

MIS systems

Finance software

Job description

Secondary Operations & Business Manager

Company: TKAT (The Kemnal Academies Trust)

Salary: Grade 11 - 12, Spinal column point 33-39 (£45,529 - £51,928)

Hours: Full-time

Location: Crawley, RH10 5AD

Job type: Permanent

Posting date: 21 Oct 2026

Closing date: 20 Nov 2026

Summary

Job Advert

(Y) Our Opportunity

We are looking for a dedicated Secondary Operations & Business Manager who brings strategic vision, operational excellence, and purpose to our team at Thomas Bennett Community College, someone ready to lead non-teaching academy functions and optimize our resources every single day.

In our Trust, an Operations & Business Manager is far more than an administrative lead; you are a key architect in building the operational foundation that enables high-quality education, managing estates, facilities, health and safety, HR/people operations, and financial management. We are seeking a proactive, resilient team player and trusted advisor who can collaborate with school leadership, direct local teams, and interface seamlessly with central Trust functions.

Whether you have extensive experience managing school business operations, a strong background in education finance or HR, or proven expertise in multi-site estates and compliance, your talent will be valued here. In our community, business leaders are vital partners in driving educational standards and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Together, let’s maximize our resources, streamline operations, and ensure every pupil gets the support they need to achieve their full potential.

The ideal Secondary Operations & Business Manager will be someone who:

• Holds a relevant professional qualification in School Business Management (e.g., Level 5 Diploma / DSBM or equivalent).
• Acts as a trusted advisor to the Headteacher on budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation in line with the Academy Trust Handbook and Trust governance.
• Leads and line manages core operational teams, including administrative staff and the Premises Manager.
• Oversees site health & safety, facilities management, procurement, and asset management in collaboration with central Trust teams.
• Manages local HR operations and payroll reconciliations across the employee lifecycle while maintaining accurate MIS records and the Single Central Record (SCR).
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities, high digital literacy with MIS/financial systems, and clear communication with diverse stakeholders.

Great Support Starts with a Great Community: Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it’s our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

• Exceptional development: Access high-quality professional development and training opportunities tailored to your role, including support for continuous professional development in education finance, HR, and operations.
• Career Pathways: Receive encouragement and support to grow your leadership capabilities across our Trust family.
• 24/7 Confidential Counselling: Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options, including hybrid working where operational needs allow, to support you through every stage of life.
• Supportive Environment: Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance.
• Blue Light Card Access: Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.
• Generous Pension: Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Thomas Bennett Community College

Thomas Bennett Community College is a vibrant secondary school dedicated to delivering an inclusive, ambitious education for all students. Based in Crawley, West Sussex, our school combines a supportive, welcoming ethos with a commitment to high standards, community collaboration, and strong educational outcomes.

To discover what makes Thomas Bennett Community College special, please visit our school website or contact the main office to arrange a tour.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging: Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission. At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Flexible Working

Kemnal Academies Trust recognises the value of enabling our employees to develop their career while balancing their commitments and interests outside of work. We actively promote flexible working practices and opportunities including potential hybrid working arrangements for this role, to support a positive work-life balance.

Interview dates for this role are listed in the key vacancy details above; please ensure you hold this date in your diary when applying. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged.

• Be Who You Are: Interview & Workplace Adjustments

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.