School Operations Manager

Newstead Wood is a highly selective girls’ state secondary school, with a co‑educational Sixth Form, close to Orpington Station, with direct links to London. Our catchment radius covers a wide, rich range of socio‑economic and ethnic areas: over 40% of students are from ethnic minorities and many of our students will be the first of their families to enter Higher Education. The school is heavily over‑subscribed. Newstead prides itself on providing an exciting learning environment, both in terms of resources and expectations, so that each individual can flourish.

We recognise the range of students’ abilities, both in terms of specific subjects and personal and social education, and try to respond, often through links with the wider community. Newstead is nationally and internationally renowned for offering the best ways to provide for the needs of very able students through the formal curriculum and beyond – through extra‑curricular and enrichment activities in particular. We have high expectations and encourage students to be self‑motivated so that learning arises naturally through enquiry and research, across different subjects.

We know that lively minds come to us well stocked and able to think divergently. Our staff understands very able and gifted students and encourage the appreciation and acceptance of different abilities. Our expert and dedicated staff inspire our students; and our students’ energy, creativity and enthusiasm inspire staff. We are proud of our students’ achievements – whatever field they excel in. However, neither staff nor students are complacent – constantly looking for new challenges to meet and fresh problems to solve.

Newstead students have freedom and security to be themselves, and many opportunities to follow their interests and aspirations. We know them as individuals and support them to grow as thinking young people and active citizens, ready to take positions of responsibility and leadership on leaving school. If you feel you are able to support us to bring out the best in our pupils, we welcome your application today.

Newstead Wood School is part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life‑changing education to children and young people across England. United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options. The School Operations Officer is responsible for the effective coordination and day‑to‑day management of the school’s support services. The post holder will oversee a broad portfolio including site and premises management, facilities (including cleaning & catering), compliance, health and safety, administration, communications and events, as well as supporting payroll and staffing processes. The role focuses on ensuring systems and services are well organised, compliant, and running efficiently, supporting senior leaders to maintain a safe and effective environment for teaching and learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Management
  • Coordinate the delivery of support services across the school to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operations.
  • Act as a central point of contact for operational matters, responding to issues and ensuring timely resolution.
  • Implement and maintain effective systems and processes to support school operations.
  • Support senior leaders by providing operational information and updates as required.
• Site & Facilities Management
  • Oversee the day‑to‑day operation of the school site, buildings, and grounds.
  • Coordinate facilities services, including cleaning and catering, to ensure high standards are maintained.
  • Liaise with contractors and service providers, ensuring work is completed to agreed standards.
  • Monitor routine maintenance and report or upscale issues requiring further attention.
• Compliance & Health & Safety
  • Coordinate and maintain systems to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Support the implementation of health and safety policies and procedures across the school.
  • Maintain accurate records of checks, audits, risk assessments, and incidents.
  • Ensure that routine processes (e.g. fire drills, inspections, contractor checks) are carried out effectively.
  • Escalate risks or compliance concerns to senior leaders as appropriate.
  • Act as the local GDPR and Data Protection lead, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain and oversee manual and electronic record systems, including the school MIS (e.g., SIMS, Arbor), ensuring accuracy and data integrity.
  • Prepare data reports and analyse administrative trends to support operational decision‑making.
• Administration and Office Operations
  • Oversee the efficient running of administrative systems and office processes.
  • Coordinate workloads within the administrative function to ensure timely and effective support.
  • Ensure accurate record keeping and compliance with data protection requirements.
  • Support senior leadership with operational administration where needed.
• Communications and Events
  • Coordinate the planning and organisation of school events, including logistics and scheduling.
  • Support internal and external communications, ensuring information is clear, accurate, and timely.
  • Ensure operational calendars are maintained and contribute to key school publications (e.g. newsletters, website content).
• Staffing & Payroll
  • Provide oversight of payroll processes, ensuring information is accurate and submitted on time.
  • Liaise with HR and senior leadership on staffing matters.

General Accountabilities

• Uphold the school’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded in all aspects of the role.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all dealings.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role as required by the Headteacher or Senior Leadership Team.

Person Specification

• Strong organisational and operational management skills.
• Experience of facilities, compliance, or administrative leadership.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Knowledge of health and safety and regulatory requirements.
• Good standard of education (e.g. GCSEs including English and Maths or equivalent).
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities effectively.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and systems.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection.
• Proactive and solution‑focused approach.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build positive working relationships.
• Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement.
• Experience in a school or public sector environment.
• Knowledge of compliance or health & safety processes.
• Experience liaising with contractors or managing service delivery arrangements.