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- Tasks: Lead the school's admin operations, ensuring smooth daily office activities.
- Company: Join Handford Hall Primary School, a vibrant and diverse educational community in Ipswich.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working in a friendly, motivated team.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a positive attitude are essential; experience in admin is a plus.
- Other info: Potential handover with the current office manager for a smooth transition.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 32650 £ per year.
Handford Hall Primary School, Ipswich, Suffolk IP12LQ
£27,269 - £32,654 pro rata
37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year
Permanent. Required as soon as possible
Reference: 7556
Handford Hall Primary School is a vibrant and diverse school that is looking for an Office Manager following the re-location of the current post holder. We are seeking a motivated, solution-focused, and professional individual to become part of our friendly, dedicated, and hardworking team.
In this pivotal position, you will lead and be central to the school's administrative operations, ensuring the office runs smoothly each day. Your responsibilities will include:
- Coordinating office activities
- Managing communications
- Maintaining records
- Supporting the needs of staff, students, and parents
You and your team will consistently strive for operational excellence, delivering the best administrative services in our school. Your exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask will be crucial in creating a productive and positive environment, significantly contributing to the success of the school community.
You will:
- Embrace our whole school values of respect, trying new things, and high expectations
- Enjoy being part of a supportive, pro-active, and energetic team
- Be a strong and positive role model for our children
- Thrive on innovation and be committed to ongoing professional development
At Handford Hall, we believe that education is transformational; that is why what we do matters and why we are always seeking to improve our practice. We intend for Handford Hall to be the school of choice in the local community, whose reputation is centred on great teaching, exemplary behaviour, and unrivalled opportunities beyond the classroom.
Our school is a community. You will join a friendly, motivated team who places pupils at the heart of every decision. All of us play an essential role in making our school a safe, secure, and enjoyable place to be.
To find out more, please read the Job Description (pdf) and Job Specification (pdf). Please visit our website (Handford Hall) or our X platform to find out more about us.
For the right candidate, there could be a handover with the existing office manager. During term time, please call the school on 01473 251 603 to make an appointment to visit the school. Informal enquiries regarding the role can be made to the school office via email on schooloffice@handfordhall.omat.org.uk.
How to apply:
Please complete the Application Form (word) and Equal Opportunities Form (word). Completed applications should be returned to the school via email on p.grew@handfordhall.omat.org.uk.
Closing date: 3pm, 25 June 2025.
Interview date: 27 June 2025.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING: To apply, please follow the application process detailed above. This job does not have a Suffolk Jobs Direct online application form. The 'Apply Now' button below only allows you to submit a job alert, not an online application.
Office Manager employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Handford Hall Primary School's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to education and community will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed office operations in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to multitask, as these are crucial for the Office Manager role.
✨Tip Number 3
Reach out to current or former staff members at Handford Hall to gain insights into the school culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can be used to tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning any relevant training or courses you've completed. This shows that you're proactive and eager to grow within the role, which aligns with the school's values.
We think you need these skills to ace Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Office Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Handford Hall is looking for.
Craft a Strong CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in administrative roles. Highlight your organisational skills, attention to detail, and any experience in educational settings, as these are crucial for this role.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the school’s values. Provide specific examples of how you have demonstrated the qualities they seek, such as being solution-focused and a strong team player.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to complete the Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form as specified. Double-check that you have included all required documents and send them to the correct email address before the closing date.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Research the School
Before your interview, take some time to research Handford Hall Primary School. Understand their values, mission, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Office Manager, your organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or improved office efficiency. Highlighting these skills will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as managing conflicts between staff or dealing with unexpected changes in the office. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves supporting staff, students, and parents, emphasise your teamwork and communication skills. Share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in previous roles, showcasing your ability to be a positive role model and a supportive team member.