School Operations Manager in Worcester

The successful candidate will model and promote the values and ethos of the school and the Trust, working within all Trust and school policies and procedures to maintain and model the vision and values at all times. Support the Head in the operational running of the school, responsible for Estate Management, Contract Management, HR, Health and Safety, Facilities Management and Administration. Identify and manage opportunities to generate income and reduce costs, working with other Hub Operations Managers where applicable, and deliver cost savings. Lead and manage the Support Staff function across the two schools, building capacity through training and development and staff deployment. Improve efficiencies and effectiveness in all areas of business, operational and administrative work, ensuring resources are used effectively and efficiently. Act as Clerk for local governance meetings and staff hearings and panels. Be responsible for ensuring budget and spend are accurate within set areas of responsibility, and consider effective Risk Management in all areas of work.

Key Areas

• Estates, Asset and Facilities Management – responsible for the repairs, maintenance and development of the school buildings, infrastructure, land, furnishings, equipment and ICT systems. Work in conjunction with the Trust regarding any Capital Building needs, and manage and oversee premises staff and contractors.
• Contract Management – actively manage all contracts that relate to the school, sharing procurement where possible to secure value for money, including negotiations, disputes or issues such as cleaning contracts and catering provision. Ensure the full procurement process is undertaken for all new contracts and that implementation of all new contracts is seamless.
• Safeguarding – ensure all safeguarding procedures and processes are in place and adhered to, particularly in relation to the Single Central Record and safer recruitment.
• External Relations – raise the profile of the school and present it in a positive way to the local and wider community in line with GST guidelines and policies. Oversee the production of high-quality school publications.
• Income Generation and Cost Savings – identify and manage opportunities to generate income for the schools through a variety of means, such as fundraising, bids for improvement, utilisation of leasing space, renegotiation of hub-wide contracts, and improve efficiencies and promote cost savings.

Person Specification

• Demonstrable significant experience in school business management OR postgraduate professional qualification in a relevant discipline OR school business management qualification (e.g. Diploma or Certificate in School Business Management).
• Knowledge and understanding of school issues and wider children’s services agendas.
• Project management skills, HR management experience, evidence of successfully working with staff at all levels.
• High degree of complex problem-solving skills, ability to communicate complex and contentious issues with a variety of audiences verbally and in writing, work under a high degree of pressure and deal with conflicting demands, prioritise and meet challenging deadlines, pull together plans and develop solutions.
• Working knowledge of relevant policies, legislation and codes of practice, ability to interpret advice and devise policies and procedures, negotiating and influencing skills, presentation skills, ability to use ICT systems and identify their contribution to school improvement, excellent organisational skills.