School Operations Lead

Astbury St Mary's CofE Primary School, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4RG

4 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  10 April 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  6 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time: 32 hours per week (0.7912 FTE), across 5 days – 40 Weeks a year Core working hours: 08:00–17:00 (30 minutes unpaid lunch)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: NJC Pt 12-17 £28,597- £31,021 FTE April 2025 (Pay award pending)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Administration & School Office

- Provide direct administrative support to the Headteacher and SLT

- Manage parent communication, correspondence, and reception duties

- Administer key pupil records, statutory data returns, attendance and admissions

- Oversee effective school office service delivery

Finance

- Submit purchase requisitions to the Central Finance Team

- Maintain oversight of deliveries, stock levels, and order status

- Liaise with central finance to resolve order, invoice or budget queries

- Support audit documentation and local record-keeping

- Manage unrestricted bank account – income, payments and bank recs

Human Resources

- Input HR transactions via the trust HR portal (e.g. new starters, leavers, contractual changes)

- Maintain on-site safeguarding records and checks

- Act as the first point of contact for HR queries, liaising with the central team as required

Premises & Compliance

- Work with the Premises Manager and central Estates team to ensure compliance with statutory checks (e.g. health & safety, fire safety, risk assessments)

- Maintain and update on-site compliance documentation

- Escalate issues requiring support or funding beyond the school's scope

Operational Support

- Lead on day-to-day non-teaching operations, acting as school liaison with IT, contractors and service providers

- Coordinate events, trips, logistics and external visitors

- Support emergency and incident procedures, including site access and lockdowns

- Contribute to school business continuity planning

Qualifications/Experience

• Good standard of education (GCSEs or equivalent) – Essential
• Experience in a school or operational admin role – Essential
• Familiarity with HR or finance systems – Desirable
• Knowledge of statutory school compliance – Desirable
• Experience liaising with external service providers – Desirable
• 
  
• Skills and Attributes
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills – Essential
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills – Essential
• Proficient IT skills (MIS, finance portals, HR platforms) – Essential
• Ability to work independently and take initiative – Essential
• Calm under pressure, solution-focused – Essential
• Professional, discreet and reliable – Essential

Expectations

Staff in all CDAT roles must be flexible and committed to continuous improvement. This includes adapting to evolving structures and systems as the trust grows and being actively involved in professional development. All staff are expected to:

• Promote the Christian values and ethos of CDAT
• Uphold trust-wide policies, including safeguarding and equal opportunities
• Support effective communication and relationships within the trust community
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect in all aspects of their work

What the school offers its staff

Ø friendly and caring pupils

Ø a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere

Ø an active and dedicated governing body

Ø supportive parents

Ø strong links to the church and local community

Ø an eager and dedicated PTFA

Ø excellent support and CPD from CDAT

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Astbury St Mary’s Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures, will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and references will be taken up.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

CDAT SOL Job Spec - Astbury.pdf - 227 KB (opens in new tab)

About Astbury St Mary's CofE Primary School

• School type: Academy, Church of England, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 95 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Astbury St Mary's CofE Primary School website
• Email address: pblythe@astbury.cheshire.sch.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/astbury-st-mary-s-cofe-primary-school-congleton

Church of England Primary School,
part of Chester Diocesan Academies Trust

Arranging a visit to Astbury St Mary's CofE Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email pblythe@astbury.cheshire.sch.uk.

School location

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