At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic office team and ensure smooth administrative operations.
- Company: Dollar Academy, a prestigious school with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, positive work environment, and professional growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant educational setting while fostering team spirit.
- Qualifications: Experience in office management; education sector experience is a plus.
- Other info: Join a scenic campus community dedicated to developing young talents.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced and highly organised School Office Manager. Reporting to the Deputy Rector, the School Office Manager is the leader and champion of the School Office team. The postholder's primary responsibility is to foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture, one where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to deliver exceptional service to pupils, parents and colleagues. Through coaching, mentoring and role-modelling, the Manager will nurture team happiness, professional growth and a sense of shared purpose.
Alongside these leadership responsibilities, the Manager ensures the smooth and efficient running of all Reception and Administrative Systems and is willing to undertake key administrative tasks as part of the team. The successful candidate should have experience of managing employees in a busy office environment. Experience of working in the education sector would be advantageous but not essential.
Salary for the role will be £33,066 per annum. Hours of work during the school year will be Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm. During the school holidays hours of work are Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm. This is an all year-round position.
Applications, including the Academy's Support Staff Application Form, must be completed before 5.00pm on Thursday 11 December 2025. CVs and covering letters are optional. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 16 December 2025. All appointments at Dollar Academy are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update from Disclosure Scotland. The successful candidates will be asked to make a formal application, the cost of which will be borne by the Academy.
About Dollar Academy: Dollar Academy has been a co-educational day and boarding school since its foundation in 1818. Today, it provides an exceptional all-round education to around 1,300 pupils aged 5-18. Our focus is on encouraging the individual talents and ambitions of every young person, in a positive and supportive environment that fosters the development of transferable skills, self-confidence and strong personal values. A belief in developing the whole person is central to the Dollar ethos.
The Academy is very much at the heart of the town - it is a major local employer and values highly its relationship with the wider community. The school itself is a friendly, supportive, hardworking and committed community of staff and pupils who enjoy cordial, professional and productive working relationships. The school's location is undoubtedly one of the most scenic in the country, set against the Ochil Hills and the historic Castle Campbell, but within easy reach of the major towns of the Central Belt and just 40 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. The Dollar community is welcoming and vibrant. The whole school sits within a single, stunning 70-acre campus.
Our Values
- Work Hard: Hard work leads to success, creativity and innovation. Our pupils and staff demonstrate a strong work ethic, with ambition and excellence being encouraged. We want everyone to strive to be the best they can.
- Get Involved: There is a very wide range of subjects and activities on offer at Dollar and teachers work hard to make lessons interesting. Involvement and participation in all aspects of school and community life build confidence and resilience, whilst also allowing our youngsters to try new things and develop their passion.
- Be Kind: 'Kindness' is no trite playground buzzword; it demands an even higher level of behavioural engagement than tolerance or respect. We believe in a positive and generous approach, in collaboration and cooperation, and in leadership that is about compassion and service.
School Office Manager in Edinburgh employer: George Watson'S College
Contact Detail:
George Watson'S College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Office Manager in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or local community. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Dollar Academy and its values. Show us that you understand our ethos of hard work, kindness, and getting involved. Tailor your answers to reflect how you embody these principles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the School Office Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our vibrant Dollar community.
We think you need these skills to ace School Office Manager in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the role of School Office Manager.
Use the Academy's Application Form: Make sure to fill out the Academy's Support Staff Application Form completely. This is our preferred method of receiving applications, and it helps us get all the info we need in one place. Don’t forget to check for any specific instructions!
Show Your Personality: While we appreciate a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can foster a positive team culture, so a bit of warmth and enthusiasm can go a long way!
Submit Before the Deadline: Remember, the deadline is 5.00pm on Thursday 11 December 2025. We recommend submitting your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute hiccups. Head over to our website to apply and join the Dollar Academy community!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Dollar Academy's values: Work Hard, Get Involved, and Be Kind. Think about how your own experiences align with these principles and be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a School Office Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a busy office environment. Highlight any coaching or mentoring experiences that showcase your ability to nurture team happiness and professional growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle administrative tasks. Think of situations where you had to manage conflicts, improve processes, or support your team during busy periods. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your genuine interest in the role and the school. Ask about the current challenges the office team faces or how the school supports professional development for its staff. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.