Office Manager (FAR137BC) in Market Harborough

Farndon Fields Primary School is looking for an experienced, proactive and dynamic Office Manager to take up an exciting, demanding and rewarding post at our school. As the role is integral to the successful running of the school, the Office Manager must be confident and able to work well as part of a team, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work well under pressure in order to meet deadlines.

The Office Manager has a key role in the effective management of school systems and you must have a strong administration background, good customer service skills, be able to line manage others and be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. You will also need to have excellent numeracy skills as this role will involve cash handling and be an excellent communicator with a professional manner, which promotes a positive image of the school. The role may also involve training and mentoring an office apprentice.

We are a successful, friendly school set in beautiful grounds on the edge of Market Harborough. Our school environment has been developed with two additional classrooms that were completed in February 2013 and an additional 7 new classrooms, a new hall and a refurbished administration area and school entrance completed in 2018. We have also installed a brand-new library thanks to funds raised by our own PTA and support from the local Market Harborough charity ‘Howard Watson Symington Memorial Charity’. We are a Microsoft Showcase school, sharing good practice through this global network.

Key Responsibilities

• To lead in the development and implementation of an effective administrative, clerical support service and financial procedures within the School, to ensure that all procedures are carried out accurately, effectively and efficiently, and where relevant provide maximum support for and minimum involvement of teaching staff.
• To communicate effectively, professionally and in a friendly manner with staff, suppliers, pupils and parents.
• To ensure that all statutory returns are completed, including School Census and School Workforce Census and submitted to the appropriate body in designated timeframes and that they comply with the appropriate Government Department standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Level 2 qualifications in maths/numeracy and English/literacy.
• Level 3 qualification in business and administration with post-qualification experience, or evidence of equivalent experience.
• Certificate in School Business Management.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

• Experience of working in a busy office environment, carrying out a range of administrative and financial tasks.
• Experience of carrying out financial procedures accurately, including invoice processing, bank and payroll reconciliation and VAT claims.
• Experience of working in a school office.
• Understanding of the context in which schools operate.
• Awareness of the financial regulations that relate to schools/academies.

Why Join Us?

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• An established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.