Operations Manager

Salary: £27,302 - £31,193 actual salary
Working Pattern: 32.5 hours per week, Term Time Plus 2 Weeks (40 Weeks)
Location: Gooseacre Primary Academy

Are you an organised and proactive operational professional who thrives on creating efficient systems, solving problems and supporting others to succeed? Do you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment where you can make a genuine difference to the experience of pupils, staff and families every day?

Gooseacre Primary Academy is a welcoming and ambitious school where children are encouraged to learn, thrive and succeed. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, we are committed to delivering an exceptional education through high expectations, strong values and a culture of continuous improvement. Our staff are united by a shared purpose and benefit from a collaborative environment where professional development, wellbeing and teamwork are highly valued.

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Operations Manager to join our leadership team. Working closely with the Principal, Senior Leadership Team and central Trust services, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the academy. The role is responsible for leading key operational functions including finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, ensuring the academy provides a safe, compliant and well‑managed environment where children can flourish.

As the academy's lead for HR and finance matters, and the main liaison between the school and central Trust teams, you will oversee a diverse range of operational responsibilities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys leading people, improving processes and contributing strategically to the success of a school.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the academy's operational functions across finance, HR, administration, estates and compliance, ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day running of the school.
• Act as the primary link between the academy and Astrea Academy Trust central teams, ensuring effective communication and support.
• Support financial management activities including procurement, purchase orders, budgeting, banking, payroll administration and financial compliance.
• Manage HR processes including sickness absence monitoring, payroll changes, recruitment administration, workforce records and maintenance of the Single Central Record.
• Oversee facilities and estates management, maintenance planning, service contracts, compliance testing and health and safety requirements.
• Ensure the academy meets statutory responsibilities relating to safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and operational compliance.
• Line manage administration, premises and catering teams, supporting performance, wellbeing and professional development.
• Provide operational leadership, guidance and specialist advice to senior leaders, governors and other stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• GCSEs (or equivalent) with a good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and relevant training.
• Experience within an administrative, business, operations or school business management environment.
• Experience managing a varied workload across multiple operational functions.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience leading, supporting and developing teams.
• Excellent IT skills and confidence working with systems, data and reporting tools.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, families and external stakeholders.
• A proactive, solution‑focused approach and a commitment to safeguarding and educational excellence.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a significant impact within a successful and ambitious primary academy.
• Access to excellent professional development and career progression opportunities across Astrea Academy Trust.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team committed to continuous improvement.
• A positive and inclusive working environment where staff wellbeing is valued.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to employee wellbeing support and initiatives.
• The opportunity to work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about improving outcomes for children.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to ensuring there are no barriers to recruitment, development and progression, and we welcome requests for reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

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