At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage staff cover arrangements and ensure smooth learning for students.
- Company: A supportive secondary school focused on effective education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be a key player in maintaining educational continuity and supporting teachers.
- Qualifications: Experience in admin or cover roles, strong organisational skills, and good communication.
- Other info: Work hours are 7am - 2.30pm, with some flexibility to work from home.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
We are currently recruiting on behalf of a secondary school for an experienced and organised Cover Manager to support the effective day-to-day running of the school. This is a key operational role, responsible for managing staff cover arrangements and ensuring continuity of learning for students. As Cover Manager, you will oversee the coordination of staff absence cover, working closely with senior leaders, teaching staff, cover supervisors, and external supply agencies. You will play a vital role in ensuring lessons are covered efficiently and safeguarding standards are upheld at all times.
Key Responsibilities
- Cover & Absence Management
- Manage daily staff absences and arrange appropriate cover
- Allocate cover supervisors and supply teachers effectively
- Liaise with external supply agencies when required
- Produce and distribute daily cover lists
- Ensure minimal disruption to teaching and learning
- Maintain accurate records of staff absence and cover arrangements
- Use the school’s Management Information System (MIS) to manage cover data
- Monitor absence trends and provide reports when required
- Support with payroll or finance processes relating to cover
- Act as a key point of contact for cover supervisors and supply staff
- Support timetable adjustments when necessary
- Assist with the induction of cover supervisors and supply teachers
- Ensure all cover staff meet safeguarding and compliance requirements
Person Specification
- Essential
- Experience in an administrative, operational, or cover-related role
- Strong organisational skills and ability to work under pressure
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- High attention to detail and ability to prioritise effectively
- Confident IT user, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Ability to work independently and make decisions quickly
- Strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection
- Enhanced DBS check (essential)
- Previous experience working in a school environment
- Knowledge of school MIS system ARBOUR
- Experience liaising with supply agencies
Hours 7am - 2.30pm (Mon-Fri) (option to work the first 1-1.5hrs from home and then head into the office)
For more information regarding the vacancy, please call Adele or forward your CV for consideration. Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those successfully shortlisted for the role will be personally contacted.
Cover Manager in Wigan employer: Forrest Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Forrest Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cover Manager in Wigan
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who might know about cover management roles. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and recent news. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you tailor your answers to what they care about most.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Cover Manager, you’ll need to liaise with various staff members. Mock interviews with friends can help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Cover Manager in Wigan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Cover Manager role. Highlight your experience in administrative or operational roles, and don’t forget to showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with staff cover arrangements and your commitment to safeguarding standards.
Show Off Your IT Skills: Since being a confident IT user is essential, make sure to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. If you have experience with school MIS systems like ARBOUR, definitely include that too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on board as a potential Cover Manager!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forrest Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Cover Manager. Familiarise yourself with managing staff absences, liaising with supply agencies, and using the school’s Management Information System (MIS). This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
During the interview, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed multiple tasks under pressure. Highlight your ability to prioritise effectively and maintain accurate records, as these are crucial for the role. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate your organisational prowess.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key for a Cover Manager. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to answer questions about how you would handle communication with staff, students, and external agencies. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since safeguarding is a top priority in schools, make sure to express your strong commitment to child protection during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had in this area, as it will reassure the interviewers that you take this responsibility seriously.