Office Manager in Croydon

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Office Manager to join a thriving secondary school within an Academy Trust.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the school's administrative functions while providing high-level support to senior leadership.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced school administrator or office management professional looking to take the lead in a busy and rewarding educational environment

Role information

Job Title

Office Manager

Department

School Administration

Salary

£30,000 - £34,000

Location

Croydon

Key Responsibilities

• Senior Leadership & Administrative Support
• Provide high-level administrative support to the Headteacher, Executive Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team.
• Act as a key point of contact for parents, pupils, staff, governors and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas, take minutes and manage follow-up actions.
• Support the production of reports, School Improvement Plans, policies and other key documentation.
• Manage complaints processes, Freedom of Information Requests and Subject Access Requests.
• Assist with school events, parent evenings and hospitality arrangements.
• Office & Administration Management
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the school office and reception function.
• Line manage the administration team, including performance management, training and development.
• Allocate workloads, monitor deadlines and ensure administrative processes are completed efficiently.
• Develop and improve administrative systems, procedures and record-keeping processes.
• Maintain accurate manual and electronic records using school management systems.
• Lead on the production and coordination of the school calendar and administrative schedules.
• HR & Compliance Support
• Liaise with the Trust HR team regarding recruitment, onboarding and staffing processes.
• Coordinate interview schedules, induction programmes and probation reviews.
• Conduct Right to Work checks, qualification verification and pre-employment compliance checks.
• Maintain the Single Central Record and ensure safeguarding compliance for staff, contractors and volunteers.
• Support attendance management processes and staff CPD administration.
• Process staffing changes, including appointments, variations and terminations.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Safeguarding
• Build effective relationships with staff, parents, pupils, governors and external agencies.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed for all visitors and contractors.
• Promote the school's values, ethos and commitment to safeguarding and equality.
• Support whole-school activities and events as required.
• Planning, Organisation & Reporting
• Manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced school environment.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support operational effectiveness.
• Monitor deadlines and ensure statutory and school reporting requirements are met.
• Produce professional correspondence, reports and communications on behalf of senior leaders.
• Take a proactive approach to continuous improvement within administrative services.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience in a senior administrative or office management role, ideally within a school or education setting.
• Experience managing administrative systems, processes and office operations.
• Previous experience supervising or line managing staff.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and records management.
• Experience using Management Information Systems (MIS) and Microsoft Office applications to a high standard.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise professionally with a range of stakeholders.
• Experience arranging meetings, taking minutes and supporting senior leaders.
• Knowledge of school administration, HR processes and compliance requirements would be highly advantageous.

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted, so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.