Strategic Regional Operations Manager (Interim)

Essex Co; Heybridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent CPD and career development

Cycle to work scheme

Free eye tests

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

TKAT seeks an Interim Regional Operations Manager to stabilise day-to-day operations across multiple academies, reporting to the Senior Regional Business Manager. The role covers non-teaching operations, governance, and regional projects within a shared-service model.

You will partner with academy leaders, central teams and front-office staff to drive operational consistency, safeguard data, and support staff across the Essex region. Hybrid work and travel across academies are involved.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or with equivalent relevant experience in a similar role.
• Proven experience in a school/academy/educational setting is essential.
• Flexible approach to working; hybrid/office environment acceptable.
• Must have a valid driving licence and willingness to travel to academies.
• Ability to lead, mentor and build strong administrator relationships.
• Demonstrates initiative and self-motivation; works independently.
• Maintains confidentiality and GDPR compliance.
• Excellent communication skills with schools, staff and external stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of HR administration, payroll coordination, GDPR, and safer recruitment.

Responsibilities

• HR, Recruitment & Payroll support; cover SCR maintenance and payroll queries with central teams.
• Compliance & governance; termly safeguarding audits and statutory returns.
• Local Financial Operations; budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and procurement under thresholds.
• Estates, Facilities & Health & Safety; coordinate site works, safety checks, risk assessments, and fire drills.
• Training & General Administration; staff training allocations, audits, business continuity, and staff appraisals (PDRs).

Skills

HR management

Payroll coordination

GDPR knowledge

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Degree level or equivalent

Tools

MIS/HR systems

Google Suite

MS Office

Accounting software

Job description

TKAT seeks an Interim Regional Operations Manager to stabilise day-to-day operations across multiple academies, reporting to the Senior Regional Business Manager. The role covers non-teaching operations, governance, and regional projects within a shared-service model.

You will partner with academy leaders, central teams and front-office staff to drive operational consistency, safeguard data, and support staff across the Essex region. Hybrid work and travel across academies are involved.