At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for pupils and staff while managing operations effectively.
- Company: Ipswich High School, a vibrant community-focused school with excellent facilities.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team, enjoy a dynamic work environment, and contribute to student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a close-knit school community and help shape future leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in operations or facilities management, preferably in an educational setting.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in a thriving school culture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Ipswich High School is a vibrant day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-18, set in an idyllic 87-acre campus in Woolverstone on the banks of the River Orwell, just four miles outside Ipswich. With approximately 520 pupils, we are a small school with amazing facilities, which include a theatre, indoor 25 metre swimming pool, dance studio, dedicated food and design technology area, multiple outdoor sports facilities, fitness suite and a Sixth Form suite based in Woolverstone Hall. We have small classes of hard-working pupils and inspirational teachers who help to instil a love of learning, the results of which are exceptional academic outcomes year on year. We believe in getting to know every pupil and building positive relationships to ensure that everyone in our community is inspired, happy and successful. Our vision is to prepare our pupils to thrive in the 21st Century by providing them with the educational foundations to flourish.
At the heart of a successful school is an environment where pupils feel safe, staff feel supported and everything works as it should β often without being noticed. We are now looking for an Operations Manager who understands just how vital that quiet excellence is. This is a key leadership role for someone who takes pride in high standards, clear systems and well-run spaces, and who enjoys working as part of a close-knit school community. The Operations Manager will ensure that our site, facilities and operational services are safe, compliant, well maintained and welcoming, allowing teaching and learning to flourish.
Working closely with the Head and Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will lead health and safety, estates and facilities, site security, transport oversight and contractor management. They will bring calm authority, sound judgement and a collaborative approach, balancing day-to-day operational demands with longer-term planning and improvement.
We are looking for someone who is practical, organised, proactive and solution focused, a strong leader with excellent communication skills. Proven experience in operations, facilities or estates management is essential, ideally within education or similarly regulated setting, together with a genuine commitment to safeguarding and to being an active, engaged member of the school community.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to pre-employment screening, which includes an enhanced DBS, reference check and online searches prior to appointment.
Operations Manager in Ipswich employer: Ipswich High School
Contact Detail:
Ipswich High School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Ipswich
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research Ipswich High School. Familiarise yourself with their values, facilities, and community. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant environment.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your interview. This insider knowledge can give you an edge and help you connect with the school's culture.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed operations or resolved issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm for the role. Itβs a small gesture that can leave a lasting impression!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application π«‘
Get to Know Us: Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our school and what we stand for. Understanding our values and community will help you tailor your application to show how you fit right in!
Craft Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in operations and facilities management, and donβt forget to express your passion for creating a safe and welcoming environment for our pupils.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. Itβs the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, itβs super simple!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipswich High School
β¨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Ipswich High School. Familiarise yourself with its values, facilities, and community. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the school.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Operations Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how your proactive and solution-focused approach has made a positive impact.
β¨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with compliance and risk management. Bring specific examples of how you've ensured safety standards in previous positions, especially in educational or regulated environments.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, donβt forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the school's future plans, challenges they face, or how the Operations Manager collaborates with the Senior Leadership Team. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.