School Operations Lead

The successful candidate will work in conjunction with the central team and the school leadership team. The School Operations Lead is responsible for the coordination, planning, development, and delivery of high-quality operational support functions within the school. The post holder will oversee and coordinate administration, site management, IT and catering functions at school level, ensuring alignment with LAAT policies and procedures and working closely with LAAT central team colleagues and directories.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management
  • Day to day responsibility for the quality, effectiveness, and continuous improvement of school support functions.
  • Line manage support staff, including (but not limited to) the Finance & Administration Officer, Data and Exams Officer, and Student Services Administrator.
  • Act as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team where appropriate and within the operational scope of this role.
  • Act as a trusted operational partner to the Headteacher, supporting the preparation of reports, documentation, and key processes, ensuring they are well-informed and able to focus on strategic leadership.
• Finance and Resources
  • Work in conjunction with the Finance and Administration Officer and Trust colleagues to support the effective operation of the school’s financial systems and processes in line with LAAT policy.
  • Lead the identification and development of income-generating opportunities, including the use of school facilities and community partnerships, bringing a proactive, creative and commercially aware approach.
• Health & Safety and Site Management
  • Work in conjunction with the Estates Manager and Site Manager to manage school facilities, including the operational delivery of lettings, premises use, and external contractors.
  • Support the Headteacher with relevant health and safety quality assurance across the school, with due regard to pupils, staff, and visitors.
  • Oversee the coordination and management of visitors to the school site.
  • Responsible for the effective operational planning and delivery of school events, ensuring they are safe, well-organised, and support wider engagement activities.
• Data, IT, and Digital Systems
  • Working within LAAT policy and processes, ensure appropriate systems are in place at school level for the storage, handling, and protection of data in line with GDPR requirements.
  • Ensure the pupil census is completed accurately and submitted within statutory deadlines.
  • Oversee the school’s Management Information System (MIS), ensuring:
  • Data accuracy and compliance
  • Effective use of the system to support school operations
  • Appropriate staff training and access levels
  • Ensure effective management of digital devices across the school.
  • Marketing and Communications
    • Working with the headteacher and the Trust external marketing experts, lead the development and delivery of a proactive marketing and communications strategy that enhances the school’s reputation, strengthens community engagement, and supports pupil recruitment and retention.
    • Lead the school’s digital presence, including the website and social media channels, ensuring content is engaging, up to date, compliant, and reflects the school’s vision and values.
    • Work closely with the Headteacher and Trust to promote key messages, celebrate successes, and ensure consistent branding and communications aligned with LAAT expectations.
    • Lead on the promotion and stakeholder engagement aspects of school events (e.g. open evenings and community initiatives), working alongside operational teams to ensure high attendance and a strong external profile.
  • People Management and Compliance
    • Maintain staff personnel files and training records in conjunction with the central Colleague Services Team.
    • Oversee in-school recruitment processes and induction processes, supporting line managers with administration as required.
    • Oversee training processes, for new starters, leavers, and changes to colleague records.
    • Work closely with LAAT’s central Colleague Services Team to ensure all relevant corporate policies are applied consistently.
  • Other Requirements
    • The post holder will be expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities associated with this role.
    • The post holder will be expected to travel to Head Office for training and professional development.
    • This job description is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties, within the general scope of the role, as required from time to time. Such duties will not substantially alter the nature or level of responsibility of the post without agreement.
    • All duties must be carried out in accordance with LAAT Equal Opportunities and Health and Safety policies and procedures.
    • All employees have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and must follow the Academy’s Safeguarding Policy if concerns arise.