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- Tasks: Oversee contracts and operations to ensure smooth running of the school.
- Company: Thriving secondary school with a focus on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a high-performing school's success.
- Qualifications: Experience in contracts or operations management and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: As soon as possible
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised School Contracts / Operations Manager to play a key role in the effective operational management of the school. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with a background in contracts management, estates, facilities, or operations to work within a thriving and ambitious secondary school environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing contracts, suppliers, and operational services, ensuring value for money, compliance, and high standards across the school's non-teaching operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and monitor all school contracts, including cleaning, catering, maintenance, ICT, and other external service providers
- Lead procurement processes, contract renewals, tendering, and performance reviews
- Ensure compliance with statutory, financial, and health & safety requirements
- Oversee day-to-day operational services, including site, estates, and facilities management
- Work closely with senior leaders, finance teams, and external partners to support the smooth running of the school
- Monitor budgets related to contracts and operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and best value
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors and stakeholders
- Contribute to strategic planning for school operations and continuous improvement
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Proven experience in contracts management, operations management, facilities management, or a similar role
- Strong understanding of procurement, contract performance management, and compliance
- Excellent organisational, negotiation, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
- Experience working in an education or public sector environment (desirable, but not essential)
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong attention to detail
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- The opportunity to make a real impact on the operational success of a high-performing school
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
School Director of Operations & Contract Management in Ealing employer: Principal Education
Contact Detail:
Principal Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Director of Operations & Contract Management in Ealing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a School Director of Operations role. 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 interviews by researching the school’s current operations and challenges. This way, you can showcase how your experience in contracts management and operational oversight can directly benefit their environment. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on schools that align with your values and vision. When you find a place that excites you, tailor your approach to highlight how your skills in procurement and compliance can help them thrive.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can set you apart from other candidates. It shows you’re genuinely interested and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace School Director of Operations & Contract Management in Ealing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in contracts management and operations to show us you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your previous experiences align with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage contracts and operations effectively. Numbers and examples can really make your application stand out to us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Principal Education
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the types of contracts the school manages. Brush up on key terms and processes related to procurement and compliance, as these will likely come up in your interview. Being able to discuss specific examples from your past experience will show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also practical.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a School Director of Operations, organisation is key. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully managed multiple priorities in previous roles. Bring along examples of how you’ve streamlined operations or improved efficiency, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the position.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in developing strong relationships with contractors and stakeholders. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication and negotiation skills led to successful outcomes. This will illustrate your capability to foster collaboration within the school environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges. Think about potential scenarios related to contract management or compliance issues and prepare your responses. This will help you demonstrate your proactive, solution-focused approach and attention to detail.
