Business Operations Manager
Crosshill Special School, Darwen, BB3 1HZ19 days remaining to apply
Job start date
6 April 2026
Closing date
1 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
10 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Grade H, SCP 29-33, Actual Salary £39,862 - £44,075
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for a committed and forward‑thinking Business Operations Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the school’s business operations with professionalism, care, and strategic oversight.
You will take responsibility for the effective running of key operational areas including administration, finance, HR, estates & facilities, health and safety, ICT, governance and data protection, ensuring high‑quality support for all stakeholders.
This role requires someone who is highly organised, collaborative, solutions‑focused and able to confidently manage systems, people, and processes in a busy and rewarding school environment.
The successful candidate will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across all business and support functions of the school.
- Work collaboratively with the central trust team, sharing good practice and ensuring compliance with trust policies and procedures.
- Lead on financial operations at school level, working closely with the Finance Business Partner and Headteacher to monitor budgets, maintain accurate financial records, and ensure Best Value.
- Oversee day‑to‑day HR operations, ensuring recruitment, employee records, absence management and payroll processes are accurate and timely.
- Manage facilities, estates and health & safety, ensuring our school remains a safe, compliant and well‑maintained environment for all.
- Lead the school’s administrative and reception functions, ensuring high‑quality systems, communication and customer service.
- Act as the school’s Data Protection Lead, supporting compliance with data protection legislation.
- Support governance arrangements and ensure key statutory returns and submissions are completed accurately.
- Model the values of Oak Learning Partnership and contribute actively to the wider strategic development of the school.
This role is ideal for:
- An experienced business operations, school business management or corporate services professional seeking their next step into senior leadership.
- Someone with strong organisational, financial, HR or estates management experience who thrives in a role with variety and responsibility.
- A proactive leader who can juggle multiple priorities, motivate teams, and create efficient systems that make a real difference.
- A resilient, emotionally intelligent professional who believes deeply in inclusive education and putting children at the heart of every decision.
What the school offers its staff
Why Join Crosshill School?
We are a diverse, happy and nurturing community with a shared vision of “prepare and flourish.” Our students are at the centre of everything we do. We strive to ensure every child is supported to achieve their full potential, regardless of their starting point.
We are ambitious for all our learners and fully committed to removing barriers so that every student can thrive and grow into a fulfilled, confident young adult.
We are looking for someone who shares this passion, someone who builds positive professional relationships, demonstrates resilience, and embodies our values. Every child deserves an outstanding education and the best possible opportunities to succeed, and this role is central to enabling that vision.
As a trust, we are laying strong foundations for future growth. This position is an exciting opportunity for a talented individual to play a pivotal role in our drive to strengthen leadership, systems and operational excellence across the school. We are a values‑driven organisation that prizes ambition, integrity and a sense of humour.
We warmly welcome visits to the school. Come and see firsthand the vital role we play within our local community and how you can be part of a team that builds on our proud history, delivers excellence today, and prepares our students for future success.
To arrange a visit, please contact Crosshill School on 01254 667 713 or email info@crosshill.blackburn.sch.uk.
Our Employee Benefits
At Oak Learning Partnership, you will join a vibrant, inclusive and supportive organisation where everyone can grow, progress and build a fulfilling career.
You will benefit from:
- Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- A strong and caring ethos among staff and students
- Networking opportunities across our trust
- Salary sacrifice Cycle‑to‑Work Scheme
- Healthcare plan through Medicash, with cashback on everyday health costs and digital wellbeing tools
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme offering emotional, financial and legal support
- Health and wellbeing support, including a 24/7 telephone helpline and access to face‑to‑face counselling
Safeguarding Statement
Oak Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
All employment offers are subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances.
Our trust is cross‑phase, incorporating primary, special and secondary schools, with a vision to transform lives through a highly inclusive approach.
“Inclusion is at the heart of our Trust.”
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects its staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is subject to DBS Enhanced Clearance. This check will include any cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Crosshill Special School
- School type
- Academy, ages 5 to 18
- School size
- 175 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 5 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Crosshill Special School website
- Email address
- info@crosshill.blackburn.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01254 667 713
Crosshill School is an outward looking, inclusive and successful school for children with special educational needs. It makes up part of Champion Education Trust, a multi academy trust that was formed in October 2019.
Our mission is to improve the life chances of all of our young people within our supportive family of schools, providing opportunities to allow young people to achieve beyond expectation, regardless of background, need or prior attainment.
We are determined and passionate to ensure that all of our staff are supported and trained to make a first class provision for all of our young people. Our leaders are encouraged and supported to work at local, regional and national levels to enable our Trust to keep abreast of the most current thinking and research in our profession.
Champion Education Trust has four key values that embody our ethos:
Family and community; a sense of belonging and contribution
Respect and celebration of differences
Partnerships and working as a team
Ambition and striving to do your best
Arranging a visit to Crosshill Special School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email info@crosshill.blackburn.sch.uk.
School location
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