At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee school operations, ensuring smooth processes and effective communication.
- Company: Join Lift Bexleyheath, a vibrant and inclusive secondary school community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous benefits, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a dynamic educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; operational experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 49056 - 51138 £ per year.
Salary: £49,056- £51,138 (actual) well-being cash plan pension scheme (LGPS) additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Full Time, 52 weeks
Contract: Permanent
Start date: August 2026
Can you deliver a smooth and effective operation of a dynamic educational institution? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Lift Bexleyheath is seeking a dedicated and experienced School Operations Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in enabling our school to deliver a first-class education to its students.
As the School Operations Manager, you will be the linchpin of operational stability, ensuring a seamless process between the school and the central/regional team. Reporting directly to the Principal, you will oversee all operational activities within the school, ranging from estates management to HR coordination, finance management, IT support, health and safety compliance, and more.
Key Responsibilities:- Liaise with central/regional teams on operational matters and manage school-specific operations.
- Line manage School Facilities Managers and coordinate estates projects.
- Support HR coordination, including recruitment, induction, and performance management.
- Manage finance processes, including orders, invoices, cash, and credit card transactions.
- Act as the main point of contact for IT support and digital partnership meetings.
- Coordinate catering and cleaning services to uphold standards.
- Implement and manage health and safety policies, GDPR compliance, and data protection.
- Line manage administrative staff and oversee school events, communications, and marketing initiatives.
- Manage logistics for communications to parents and external stakeholders.
- GCSE (good pass) or equivalent in Maths and English.
- Previous operational background with administrative, numeracy, and IT skills.
- Experience in an educational environment is desirable.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
About Lift Bexleyheath: Lift Bexleyheath is a welcoming and inclusive secondary school with a strong sense of community. Our school serves a diverse student population, and we are proud of the relationships we build with our families and wider community. The school is located in Bexleyheath, just 30 minutes from central London by train, and offers an excellent environment to both live and work. With a brand-new sixth form centre and investment in teaching spaces, it's an exciting time to join our team. We're proud to say that Lift Bexleyheath is on a journey of sustained improvement and innovation. You'll be joining a school with strong leadership and a shared determination to achieve the very best for every student.
Who is Lift Schools? We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 59 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had. We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can't wait to hear from you. The role is due to commence August 2026. This is a full-time, permanent position.
Closing date: 1 June 2026
Interviews: W/B 8 June 2026
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application. Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
School Operations Manager in Bexley employer: Lift Bexleyheath
Lift Bexleyheath is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff within a vibrant educational environment. With comprehensive training opportunities, generous benefits including a pension scheme and lifestyle perks, and a strong commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. Located just 30 minutes from central London, this dynamic school offers a unique chance to contribute to a journey of sustained improvement and innovation in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Operations Manager in Bexley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Lift Bexleyheath and its values. Show us that you understand our mission and how you can contribute to our dynamic environment. Tailor your responses to highlight your operational experience and how it aligns with our needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your past experiences in operations management and how they’ve prepared you for this role.
✨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, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Lift Bexleyheath.
We think you need these skills to ace School Operations Manager in Bexley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. This will help us understand what Lift Bexleyheath is looking for and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your previous roles, focus on your operational background and any experience in educational environments. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities of the School Operations Manager position.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in lengthy paragraphs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows that you’re serious about joining our team at Lift Bexleyheath!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lift Bexleyheath
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a School Operations Manager. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like HR coordination, finance management, and health and safety compliance. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your operational skills and experience in an educational environment. Whether it's managing logistics for school events or overseeing finance processes, having concrete examples ready will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use your excellent communication skills to engage them in conversation. Ask insightful questions about the school's culture and operations, showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute positively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess how you would handle specific challenges in the role. Think about potential issues related to estates management or IT support, and prepare your thought process on how you would tackle these situations effectively.
