Office Manager

Office Manager

Full-Time 34817 - 36445 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Pathways School

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the office team and ensure smooth operations at Pathways School.
  • Company: Join Compass Eko Trust, a family of 28 schools dedicated to improving education.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension schemes, professional development, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative community with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment focused on student success.
  • Qualifications: Experience in office management and strong interpersonal skills required.

The predicted salary is between 34817 - 36445 £ per year.

Pathways School is a specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health school from Years 1 to 11. Pupils receive a sector leading education with access to the full national curriculum made accessible through the delivery of specialist adaptations. If you have an interest in learning how to lead and deliver an adapted and inclusive physical education and sports programme for pupils with SEMH needs, then we’d be interested in your application.

Pathways School is looking to recruit a full-time Office Manager to take responsibility for the smooth running of the office where your professionalism, initiative and office skills will be welcomed. You will have plenty of room to be creative and management is always open to new ideas that positively impact the running of our school. You will have the flexibility to implement new procedures and systems to ensure the smooth running of the office alongside leading a small team and liaising with external partners to facilitate the site maintenance, cleaning and catering.

This is an autonomous role and you need to be comfortable being independent and making decisions while representing and upholding the values of the trust. This position will suit you if you have good interpersonal and presentation skills, and office management experience. You need to be self-directed and have organisational and problem-solving skills to support the changing school size.

Applicants must have:

  • Experience of managing a team
  • Experience within an educational setting
  • Extensive experience with Microsoft Office, Excel and Bromcom
  • Experience using database management systems
  • Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
  • Experience of Exams at Secondary Level/SATs systems and procedures
  • Excellent HR Management skills
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • Extensive understanding of site management, compliance and Health & Safety
  • Experience at leading a small team
  • Excellent ability to produce high-quality reports and correspondence to stakeholders
  • Ability to uphold the values of the trust and the standards and expectations of the organisation

We would like to hear from you if:

  • You have good numeracy, literacy, and ICT skills (GCSE Level 4 or equivalent in English and Maths is desirable)
  • You are a team player who can build good working relationships with colleagues.
  • You are flexible, enthusiastic, and resilient, with a good sense of humour
  • You are committed to ongoing personal development.
  • You have high aspirations in teaching and learning for all children and young people.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a Trust that is deliberate about how it improves practice and outcomes. Compass Eko Trust is a family of 28 schools working as one system to improve outcomes for every child. We are united by a clear commitment: every child achieving, without exception.

Through a knowledge-rich curriculum, strong professional collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence, we support our schools to deliver high-quality education in their communities. Our schools sit at the heart of everything we do. The Trust exists to bring clarity, consistency and support so leaders can focus on what matters most - teaching and learning.

Are you an enthusiastic and resilient leader, with the initiative and commitment necessary to ensure good practice is embedded throughout our school? Do you have the ability to think and plan strategically to promote the school’s and Trust’s vision, ethos and values? If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

As part of our Trust, you will be part of a professional community where:

  • Schools work together, sharing expertise and improving practice
  • Staff benefit from strong professional networks and collaboration across schools
  • Development is supported through coaching, CPD and leadership pathways
  • You are not working in isolation - you are part of a wider system

Our offer:

  • Competitive pay and conditions aligned to national frameworks
  • Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS)
  • Access to a structured programme of professional development
  • Opportunities to work across schools and develop your career
  • Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential support
  • Access to staff benefits and discount schemes
  • Family-friendly policies and flexible working options where possible

Visits are welcomed. Please contact pathwaysinfo@ekotrust.org.uk to arrange this or for any further information. To apply, please visit ‘My new term’ https://mynewterm.com/jobs/147189/EDV-2026-PS-61029

Compass Eko Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Closing date for applications: 11th September 2026.

Office Manager employer: Pathways School

At Compass Eko Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions truly matter. As an Office Manager at Pathways School in Barking and Dagenham, you will enjoy competitive pay, access to professional development opportunities, and the chance to be part of a dedicated team committed to improving educational outcomes for every child. Our family-friendly policies and flexible working options ensure a healthy work-life balance, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in education.

Pathways School

Contact Details:

Pathways School Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Office Manager

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Pathways School!

Leverage Your University Connections

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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Pathways School.

We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager

Office Management
Team Leadership
Interpersonal Skills
Presentation Skills
Organisational Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Microsoft Office Suite

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Pathways School. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Pathways School and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Pathways School. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Pathways School's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Pathways School

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Pathways School.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Pathways School will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Pathways School and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.