Operations Lead-Palladian Academy Trust in Bath

This is an exciting opportunity to join the developing central operations team within Palladian Academy Trust which is made up of 13 different school sites across Bath and Wiltshire. We are looking for a school facing Operations Lead to join our team, supporting school leadership across a broad range of operational areas. The role requires someone who has a strong background in operations management, procurement, contract management, change management and ideally IT operations management.

Wherever possible Palladian is a flexible employer and as such we are very open to considering flexible/hybrid/varied hours working options. To enable effective relationship building and collaboration across our Trust, some travel and visibility throughout the partner’s designated group of schools is required.

Palladian Academy Trust is committed to equal opportunities and diversity as we value the benefit diversity brings to our Trust and our pupils. We are therefore keen to encourage applicants from all backgrounds and communities. Palladian Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A satisfactory DBS check is required for this post prior to commencement. The postholder will be expected to contribute to the protection of children as appropriate, in accordance with any agreed policies and/or guidelines, reporting any issues or concerns to their immediate line manager.

We are proud to be a diverse workforce where everyone plays a vital role. Working primarily with the central operations team and joining a friendly hard‑working team, you will communicate well with diverse groups and be a friendly, welcoming face for staff, contractors, trustees/governors and outside agencies, liaising with them as required. Working in fast‑paced environments and experienced at multi‑tasking in previous roles is essential as you will have responsibility of working across a variety of schools within the Trust to ensure efficient and effective operational management. This is a key senior role in the Trust and a role that requires a strong understanding of effective operations management.

As the Operations Lead, some of your responsibilities will include:

• The identification and prioritisation of opportunities for savings across the Trust on non‑pay expenditure utilising the operational excellence framework.
• Successful delivery of procurement processes for all Trust contracts, working with external advisors, the CFOO, Finance Lead and Estates Lead, where relevant, to ensure that deadlines are met and that the Trust is compliant with relevant regulation and policy.
• Overseeing all Trust contracts in terms of performance and specifically managing operational contracts such as MIS, catering and printing, ensuring that implementation in conjunction with the Estates Lead creates, implements and drives a Trust‑wide sustainability strategy and a supporting action plan.
• Contributing to the development and success of the Trust in order to provide the best schools and outcomes for our children.
• Engage with appropriate evidence‑based strategies for improvement and ensuring their effective implementation.
• Act as an advocate of Trust Operations team, building the reputation and professionalism of the teams.
• Be highly organised and carry out activities with a high standard of professionalism.
• Show dedication to working in an education setting and promoting equitable outcomes for all.
• Demonstrate values of Palladian Academy Trust.
• Confidently navigate IT suites such as Office 365 and cloud‑based financial software.
• Demonstrate 3+ years of experience in a similar or related role.
• Experience of working in an education setting is an advantage but is not essential as training will be provided.
• Ensure onboarding is well executed and that high standards are met throughout the contract for the Trust’s staff and pupils at all times supporting operational effectiveness.
• Management of IT provision for the Trust at an admin level and school educational level.
• Providing operational support to Admin teams, ensuring efficient and effective procedures are in place at each School Office.
• Supporting with relevant projects and initiatives including leading on identifying fund‑raising opportunities for schools and including the school conversion process.

This is a permanent contract, working 37 hours per week over 52 weeks although there is flexibility on hours, working works for the ideal candidate. If you are driven about education and our core purpose of working to support pupils to be their best selves, then Palladian Academy Trust are keen to hear from you.

Please complete your online application and supporting statement explaining how you meet the requirements of the role by Friday 13th March by 12 noon. Please use the JD and additional information to support with your application. Interviews planned for Wednesday 18th March. Early applications are encouraged as interviews may take place shortly after application for the right candidate.

The Palladian Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All short‑listed candidates will be subject to the appropriate online checks and Google searches as part of our recruitment process. Your suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. The successful applicant will, in accordance with statutory guidance, be subject to a comprehensive and robust pre‑employment checking process. Prior to appointment Palladian Academy Trust will apply for an enhanced DBS check plus a further check against the appropriate barred list, references from current and previous employers, health screening, and the right to work in the UK.