School Operations Manager

Prospere Learning Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job description

We currently have a new exciting opportunity for a School Operations Manager to join our fantastic team at Orchard House High School.

This is a Grade 8, permanent, full time post working 35 hours per week all year round. The starting salary is £40,476 per annum.

We’re Looking For

A committed professional, with experience to take on the role of School Operations Manager to support our new school in its next stage of development. This is a great opportunity to work in a brand-new school providing exceptional education and support for students with Special Educational Needs from the age of 11-19 years.

Applicants must have significant experience of providing administrative support and managing the work of a team of support staff and managing a small budget and collating financial data. Previous experience in a similar role within a school setting is highly desirable. You will also need excellent communication skills, with evidence of effective interaction and ability to relate to a wide range of stakeholders.

Main Purpose Of The Job

You will be responsible for the planning, development, implementation and monitoring of effective operational support services within the school and to be the key operational lead coordinating with Trust central services and operations.

Key Responsibilities Will Include

1. Line management of school support staff including recruitment, probationary review, performance management, absence management and staff development, ensuring duties are assigned and cover is arranged.
2. Design and maintenance of effective administrative support systems and procedures to meet the operational needs of the school.
3. Liaising with the Finance Team and being responsible for the coordination of school-based services, ordering and receipting of supplies and services.
4. Working collaboratively with all staff and parents to support pupil well-being and to secure the best possible outcomes for our students.
5. Providing effective, timely and up to date accurate advice and guidance to staff, pupils and others on relevant policies, procedures and regulations including human resources, child protection etc.

Please note our new school in Miles Platting is due to open in October 2025, prior to this we will be working across two sites, the Grange School in Levenshulme and Camberwell Park in Moston, successful applicants will initially be based at these existing sites.

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including:

1. High quality CPD for all roles.
2. Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of everyday health care expenses.
3. Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff.
4. Good holidays teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service.
5. Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free.
6. Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines.
7. Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans.
8. Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible.
9. Mental Health First Aid in every school.
10. Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more.
11. bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases.

Visit Our Website To Learn More About Our Trust

About Orchard House and Prospere Learning Trust

Orchard House is a brand new school which will be dedicated to providing exceptional education and support for students with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) from the age of 11-19 years.

Opening in September 2025, our school is committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

We aim to empower our students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their educational journey and beyond.

Prospere Learning Trust is a high performing, inclusive and innovative Trust comprising of 9 schools, including 4 mainstream high schools and 5 special needs schools (both primary and secondary) with further schools anticipated across Greater Manchester.

We currently employ over 1000 staff and we believe that our staff play a vital role in achieving our vision of an exceptional education for all. We believe that great schools thrive because of the great people in them.

We Are Driven By Our Core Values

1. Inclusion - we recognise people need different levels of support to achieve equitable outcomes.
2. Comprehensive education - we welcome all people from our local community.
3. Excellence - high standards institutionally, academically and in personal development.
4. Expertise - great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in all our staff to achieve their potential.
5. Collaboration - we believe we are stronger together.
6. Reflection - we are underpinned by thoughtful use of relevant evidence and research.

At Prospere Learning Trust, we pride ourselves in being a great place to learn, work, and grow. We have a resolute focus on developing the quality of education in all of our schools.

To support our staff, we come together as a collaborative learning community, with a strong culture of professional development and mutual support.

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application packs or support, contact us at 0161 527 7953 or [e-mail].