Operations Manager

  • Reed
  • Horsham, Sussex
  • May 14, 2026
Full time Administration

Job Description

Operations Manager

Hours: 37 hours per week (start time 7:00am)Working Pattern: Term time plus 2 additional weeksGrade: 11, Points 33-36Salary: £38,480 - £41,192 per annum

Role Overview

The Operations Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across all non-teaching functions, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school. The postholder will oversee administration, estates, health & safety, catering, resources, cover management and educational visits, ensuring statutory compliance, efficiency, and value for money.

This is a senior role requiring strong leadership, organisational expertise and the ability to manage complex operational systems in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Administration & Systems Management

  • Lead and manage the whole-school administrative function, including line management and performance reviews
  • Design, implement and continuously improve administrative systems aligned with organisational objectives
  • Ensure effective information flow, clearly defined responsibilities and stakeholder support
  • Analyse data to improve efficiency, reduce duplication and inform decision-making
  • Prepare and submit statutory returns and reports to external agencies
  • Support the Office Manager in maintaining first aid compliance and reporting procedures

Estates & Facilities Management

  • Lead the site and premises teams and oversee all estates operations
  • Ensure buildings, repairs, maintenance and improvements meet statutory and regulatory requirements
  • Manage contractors and outsourced services, ensuring contractual obligations are met
  • Oversee site security, utilities, cleaning contracts and emergency planning
  • Maintain and monitor the School Travel Plan and cycle permit system

Health & Safety

  • Act as Health & Safety Coordinator and Fire Officer
  • Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation and trust-wide policies
  • Maintain risk assessments, accident reporting and monitoring systems
  • Lead fire drills, alarm testing and emergency procedures
  • Report health & safety matters to senior leadership and governors as required

Other

  • Monitor on-site catering provision and staff
  • Liaise with the Catering Manager on menu planning
  • Attend contract monitoring meetings and support tendering processes
  • Review and benchmark food quality and value
  • Support events and catering-related activities
  • Manage daily staff cover using Bromcom (training provided)
  • Allocate cover, room changes and work for absent staff each morning
  • Communicate daily cover arrangements to staff and senior leadership
  • Liaise with supply agencies
  • Monitor staff absence and escalate concerns in line with policy
  • Line manage the Reprographics Technician
  • Monitor and improve reprographics and library systems
  • Act as Educational Visits Coordinator
  • Approve and monitor all trips and residential visits
  • Ensure compliance with guidelines and risk assessments
  • Deliver training and guidance for staff
  • Manage minibus training records
  • Handle cash and petty cash in line with financial procedures
  • Attend senior leadership and governor meetings as required
  • Support whole-school events such as open evenings and transition activities
  • Undertake other duties appropriate to the role

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced operations professional to play a key role in ensuring a safe, effective and well-managed educational environment.