Operations Manager

Horsham, Sussex
Reed

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.