Strategic School Operations Manager (Finance, HR & Site)

LIFE Education Trust; Romford; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Recruitment & retention allowance

Job summary

LIFE Education Trust in Romford is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of our Havering Secondary Hub: The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls and The Bridge, sharing a site with around 1,500 pupils and around 200 staff. You will oversee finance, HR, site management and operations, developing budgets and forecasts, and managing resources so our schools run smoothly.

The role starts 1 January 2027 (or sooner), is full-time (36 hrs/week, 52 weeks), and attracts a

Responsibilities

• Share our commitment to building great learning communities where children flourish.
• Lead and develop the Hub's operations team, including people, finance, administration, cover and site colleagues.
• Prepare and manage budgets and forecasts, explain variances clearly to senior leaders, and lead Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP).
• Oversee HR processes, including contracts, payroll, safer recruitment and the Single Central Record.
• Lead the strategic management of the school premises, health and safety compliance, lettings and the catering contract.
• Manage contracts in line with procurement law and the Trust's financial regulations, identifying opportunities to save costs.
• Build strong links between LIFE Central and the Hub, coordinating Trust-wide IT and marketing initiatives.
• Bring excellent organisation, sound judgement and a collaborative, values-led approach.

Job description

LIFE Education Trust in Romford is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day running of our Havering Secondary Hub: The Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls and The Bridge, sharing a site with around 1,500 pupils and around 200 staff. You will oversee finance, HR, site management and operations, developing budgets and forecasts, and managing resources so our schools run smoothly.

The role starts 1 January 2027 (or sooner), is full-time (36 hrs/week, 52 weeks), and attracts a