Operations Manager

Make a difference across a region of schools. Are you an experienced project and operations professional who enjoys delivering cross-functional projects, solving complex operational challenges, and turning strategic plans into successful outcomes? Join GLF Schools as a Regional Projects and Operations Lead and play a key role in helping our schools thrive. About GLF Schools As a Multi-Academy Trust of 43 schools, comprising 35 primary and 8 secondary schools, GLF Schools is organised into three primary regions and a secondary phase group. Within each region, the Regional Projects and Operations Lead plays a pivotal role in delivering cross-functional projects, driving operational compliance, and ensuring schools receive responsive, high-quality operational support. Four exciting opportunities across GLF Schools We are recruiting for four Regional Projects and Operations Lead positions: one for each of our three primary regions and one supporting our secondary phase. Regular travel between schools within the assigned region or phase will be required, with flexibility for hybrid working. The role is 36 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, and will be based at a GLF regional location. Requests for term-time working plus four weeks may be considered, subject to the operational requirements of the Trust and the effective delivery of the role. The four available positions are listed below. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their preferred region or phase. Western Region : Supporting 10 primary schools across Oxfordshire and Hampshire. Central Region: Supporting 11 primary schools across Sunbury, Camberley, Epsom, Banstead and London Boroughs. South-East Region : Supporting 11 primary schools across Caterham, Redhill, Crawley and London Boroughs. Secondary Phase : Supporting our 8 secondary schools across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and South London, working collaboratively across the phase. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines project leadership, operational coordination and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will work closely with Regional Education Directors, Headteachers and Regional Functional Partners across Finance, HR, Education, Estates and IT to drive implementation of key priorities. Projects vary depending on the needs of schools and the Trust. Illustrative examples include implementing specialist SEND provision, managing high-value SLAs with external partners, establishing a new nursery provision or delivering complex initiatives that support school improvement and growth. The role is not about being the subject matter expert in every operational discipline. Rather, the role is centred on coordinating specialist expertise and converting expert guidance into successful project delivery and sustainable operational outcomes for schools. You will also play an important role in promoting operational excellence across the region, supporting schools to meet key statutory and Trust requirements, identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting schools to navigate change successfully. Interested in finding out more? We appreciate that this is a unique and varied role. If you would like an informal conversation before applying, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Katie Sullivan, Recruitment Partner, with your name and phone number – contact details can be found on the job description attached. What we are looking for We are looking for someone who: Has experience leading projects, operational initiatives or change programmes in large organisations involving multiple stakeholders. Takes ownership, follows through on commitments, and demonstrates a strong sense of accountability for delivering high-quality outcomes. Thrives in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing priorities while maintaining focus on what matters most. Brings a collaborative, solutions-focused approach and enjoys helping schools overcome challenges and make progress. Is adaptable, resilient and committed to achieving positive outcomes for schools, staff and pupils. Join Our Community As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team. A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,500 colleagues and over 19,000 pupils Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Kindness 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity. Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education. Our Employment Offer GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish. Access to our highly competitive pension scheme Generous holiday allowance Work life and family friendly policies. Employee wellbeing initiatives Career pathways and talent management Access to a staff benefits portal. Community and collaboration working model. The Details Pay Scale: Leadership 1 Annual Salary : £47,160 full-time equivalent Hours: 36 hours a week, 52 weeks a year. Requests for term-time working plus four weeks may be considered, subject to the operational requirements of the Trust and the effective delivery of the role. Base Location : GLF regional office, with hybrid working options available Start Date : ASAP Close Date : Wednesday, 30th September 9am Interview Date: Wednesday, 7th October and Thursday, 8th October This role is advertised across multiple regions. Please submit one application only and indicate your preferred location(s) within your application. We will consider you for all relevant opportunities.