School Operations Manager

Salary: £40,000 per annum (pro rata for part-time hours)
Location: Liverpool / Merseyside
Contract: Full-time or Part-time
Working Hours: Flexible working arrangements available
Start Date: To be agreed

About the Role

Desian Education is recruiting an experienced and proactive School Operations Manager to join a school in the Liverpool area.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced school professional to take on a senior leadership role, overseeing the smooth and effective day-to-day operations of a busy school.

The position is similar to that of a traditional School Business Manager, but without responsibility for budgets, accounting or financial management.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have previously worked within a school’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), or who have substantial experience managing school operations.

The school is open to both full-time and part-time candidates and can offer flexible working hours to accommodate the right individual.

Key Responsibilities

School Operations & Management

Oversee the effective day-to-day running of the school, ensuring operational processes and systems work efficiently.
Support the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team with operational planning and school improvement priorities.
Develop, implement and review school policies, procedures and administrative systems.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, communication and working practices across the school.
Act as a key point of contact for staff, external agencies, contractors and other stakeholders.
Staff Leadership & HR

Provide leadership and support to administrative, premises and other non-teaching support staff.
Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, induction and staff records in accordance with school policies.
Support HR processes, including absence management, performance management and staff wellbeing.
Ensure appropriate safer recruitment and safeguarding procedures are followed.
Compliance, Safeguarding & Health and Safety

Oversee operational compliance with relevant education legislation, statutory guidance and school policies.
Coordinate health and safety procedures, risk assessments, fire safety and emergency planning.
Ensure safeguarding-related administrative systems and procedures are maintained effectively.
Support the school in preparing for inspections, audits and external reviews.
Maintain accurate records and ensure effective data protection practices.
Premises & Facilities

Oversee the management, maintenance and general upkeep of the school premises.
Coordinate external contractors, facilities providers and maintenance arrangements.
Ensure the school environment remains safe, secure, welcoming and fit for purpose.
Manage operational arrangements for school events, lettings and other activities where required.
Leadership & School Development

Work closely with the Headteacher and SLT to support the school’s strategic priorities.
Contribute to school improvement planning from an operational perspective.
Lead operational projects and support the implementation of new systems and processes.
Build positive relationships with staff, parents, governors and external organisations.
Person Specification

Essential Requirements

Significant experience working within a school environment, ideally in an operational, administrative or leadership capacity.
Strong organisational, management and problem-solving skills.
Experience coordinating staff, operational processes and school systems.
Good understanding of school policies, safeguarding, compliance and health and safety.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and support senior school leaders.
A proactive, professional and flexible approach.
Desirable Requirements

Previous experience as a member of a school’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Experience as a School Business Manager, School Operations Manager, Office Manager or similar.
Experience managing non-teaching staff and school premises.
Knowledge of school HR processes, safer recruitment and statutory compliance.
Relevant leadership, management or school business qualifications.
Experience supporting Ofsted inspections or school improvement initiatives.
Salary & Benefits

£40,000 annual salary, pro rata for part-time appointments.
Full-time or part-time opportunities considered.
Flexible working hours to suit the successful candidate and the school’s operational needs.
Opportunity to work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team.
A varied, rewarding position with genuine responsibility and autonomy.
Opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the school’s continued development.
How to Apply

If you have a strong background in school operations or school leadership and are looking for a flexible senior position, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please contact Desian Education to discuss the opportunity in confidence.