Operations & Finance Manager at St Augustine Academy in Maidstone

This is a key role supporting the effective operational and financial running of the Academy and wider Trust. You will work closely with senior staff and the Trust Finance Team to help ensure high standards across finance, site and premises, IT, administration, health and safety, and payroll input. The role requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and experience in school business or operational management. Experience in managing teams and a commitment to delivering high-quality support services are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations, ensuring compliance with the Trust Finance Handbook, ESFA requirements, and internal control systems.
• Support the Finance Business Partner and Trust Finance Director with monthly reporting, audits, year-end procedures, and statutory financial returns.
• Manage and reconcile payroll processes in liaison with external providers, ensuring accurate pension and salary administration.
• Line manage and support operational leads including finance, site, IT, administration, and catering, ensuring effective performance management and development.
• Ensure robust H&S procedures are in place, including risk assessments, emergency planning, training, and incident reporting.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs, and capital projects in collaboration with the Site Manager, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient school facilities.
• Work with the IT Network Manager to ensure IT systems are secure, effective, and compliant with data protection and information governance requirements.
• Manage the wider administration team to ensure high-quality support services, efficient communication, and continuous service improvement.
• Oversee catering provision and school lettings to ensure value for money and smooth operations across both internal and external services.
• Ensure operational practices align with relevant legislation, Trust policies, and risk management procedures, maintaining accurate records and reporting as required.

What we offer

• 28 days annual leave rising to 33 days with 5 years' service
• A comprehensive CPD programme for all staff
• Laptop
• Free Car Parking
• Meals available on site for all staff between 8am to 2pm
• Free meals for all staff on Inset days and Open Evening events
• Occupational Sick Pay
• Exceptional leave arrangements for family events
• Free eye tests for VDU users
• A comprehensive EAP (employee assistance programme) with 24 - hour access
• Free fitness suite on site

About our School

St Augustine Academy is a non-selective 11-16 school in Maidstone who is dedicated to fostering excellence in education. We pride ourselves on our supportive community, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to the personal development of both students and staff. Our Christian Ethos helps to make our school a thoughtful community and we are welcoming, positive and open to pupils and staff of all faiths and none. Our Academy has a calm purposeful atmosphere. We strive to broaden horizons and challenge our students to achieve their potential. We offer a rigorous academic curriculum, a strong behaviour policy. We are committed to continual CPD and a positive work life balance for staff. We offer additional training days, support staff to complete additional qualifications and remove unnecessary workload. We are one of six Academies which make up the Woodard Academies Trust (WAT). WAT is part of the Woodard family of schools. Created by founder Nathaniel Woodard in 1848, Woodard is the largest group of independent Church of England schools in England and Wales. Woodard Academies Trust and Woodard Schools share a common ethos and vision: to inspire young people to make a difference. Our ethos reflects our deep commitment to delivering an outstanding education to the students we teach. We prioritise inclusion and value individuals, and excel in delivering pastoral care and personalised learning paths for our students. Our aim is to offer students not only a first-class education, but also to teach them life skills that will provide benefits beyond their time with us. We believe that our academies should enrich the communities they serve and play an active role in their development.

Application Process

Informal visits are welcome. CV's will not be accepted. Applications will be considered as they are received. Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date therefore early applications are encouraged. St Augustine Academy reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.

DBS Checks

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Amendment Order 1986 and, as such, it will be necessary for a Submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Asylum and Immigration

To comply with Asylum and Immigration legislations you will be required (if appointed) to provide one or more documents from the Immigration Act 2006 - List A and B. You must provide proof of current and valid permission to be in the United Kingdom and valid permission to do the type of work offered.

Equal Opportunities

St Augustine Academy is an equal opportunities employer. We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding Statement

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, including volunteers, to share in this commitment. All posts will be subject to safeguarding and vetting checks, including the receipt of two satisfactory references. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a criminal record self-declaration form and will be subject to online searches as part of the recruitment process. Successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) Check, therefore individuals on the children's barred list (and adults barred list where relevant) should not apply. There is a six-month probation period for all post-holders.