Operations Manager

SCHOOL OPERATIONS MANAGER Be at the heart of a well-run, ambitious secondary school INOVA Multi-Academy Trust is seeking an experienced, organised and forward-thinking School Operations Manager to join the team at Forge Valley School. This is a varied and influential role for someone who understands how excellent operational leadership enables teachers and school leaders to focus on delivering the best possible education for pupils. As the school’s senior non-teaching operational leader, you will take responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of the school’s operational and administrative services. You will work closely with the Head of School and senior leadership team, while building strong relationships with INOVA’s central finance, HR, estates and digital teams. You will lead and coordinate a range of operational teams and services, including reception, student services, administration, cover, reprographics, catering and cleaning. You will ensure that processes are efficient, standards are consistently high and Trust policies and statutory requirements are implemented effectively.

The role

Your responsibilities will include:

• providing operational advice and support to the Head of School and senior leadership team;
• leading the school’s day-to-day operational and administrative activity;
• managing and developing operational staff, setting clear expectations and supporting their performance and wellbeing;
• overseeing reception, student services, administration, cover and reprographics;
• monitoring staff cover, absence patterns and associated expenditure, and providing relevant information and recommendations to school leaders;
• overseeing the effective delivery of catering and cleaning services;
• coordinating the operational administration of educational visits, trips and enrichment activities;
• acting as the school’s Evolve approver following appropriate training;
• overseeing ParentPay, cashless catering and free school meal administration;
• coordinating leave-of-absence and school-trip requests;
• managing school minibus bookings and maintenance arrangements;
• supporting school-level health and safety, data protection, risk management and emergency procedures;
• acting as a designated first aider and ensuring robust first-aid arrangements are maintained; and
• working closely with the Trust’s finance, HR, estates and digital teams to implement agreed actions and resolve operational issues.

The role does not carry delegated financial authority, but you will work closely with the school’s Finance Business Partner to provide information, support processes and ensure agreed actions are delivered. About you

We are looking for someone who:

• has significant experience of managing school operations, ideally within a secondary school;
• has successfully managed diverse operational or administrative teams;
• is highly organised and able to manage competing priorities in a busy environment;
• understands health and safety, data protection, HR processes and excellent customer service;
• can build strong and productive relationships with school leaders, staff, pupils, families, central Trust teams and external providers;
• approaches problems calmly, takes ownership and exercises sound professional judgement;
• is committed to developing staff and creating a positive working environment;
• is flexible, resilient and comfortable working in a changing organisation; and
• shares INOVA’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence.

Experience of working within a multi-academy trust and a relevant qualification in school business management, administration or operations would be advantageous. Why join INOVA? INOVA is a values-led multi-academy trust serving a diverse family of primary and secondary schools across Sheffield. Although our schools serve different communities, we are united by a shared commitment to: Innovation – embracing new ideas, learning and improving; Collaboration – working openly, inclusively and collectively; and Excellence – maintaining high expectations and taking responsibility for achieving the best outcomes. You will join the Trust at an exciting stage of its development and have the opportunity to shape effective school operations while benefiting from the expertise and support of established central teams. Equality, diversity and inclusion We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment in which every employee feels valued and able to contribute. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences. For an informal discussion about the role or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Lorna Jennings at Forge Valley School. To apply, please complete the application form through eteach. CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.