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School Operations Manager
Lift Hamford, Walton on the Naze, Essex, CO14 8TE7 days remaining to apply
Start date details
ASAP
Closing date
9 October 2026 at 12:20pm
Date listed
2 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Learning support or cover supervisor
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £34395.08 - £38049.89 per annum
School Operations Manager job summary
Are you an organised, proactive and confident operations professional who enjoys making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly?
Lift Hamford is looking for a School Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operational running of the school and provide high-quality support across HR, finance, estates, IT, compliance and administration. This is a key role within the school, helping to create the conditions that allow the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to focus on delivering an excellent education for every child.
About the role
As School Operations Manager, you will act as the main link between Lift Hamford and Lift Schools' regional and central teams, ensuring operational processes are managed effectively and information is shared accurately and promptly.
You will oversee a broad range of school operations, including HR administration, recruitment support, finance processes, estates and facilities, IT coordination, health and safety, data protection, procurement, catering and cleaning arrangements, marketing and school communications.
You will also lead and coordinate key in-school operational activity, which may include front office administration, events, the school calendar, trips, lettings, wraparound care, cover arrangements, staff induction and training, stock and statutory information. You will line manage relevant colleagues and help ensure the school remains compliant, organised and responsive.
In this role, you will:
- Act as the key operational link between the school and Lift Schools' regional and central HR, Talent, Finance, Estates and IT teams.
- Support recruitment and HR processes, including interview administration, employment checks, absence processes and payroll changes.
- Coordinate finance administration including purchase orders, invoicing, banking and finance queries.
- Lead on operational compliance including health and safety, first aid, visitor DBS processes and data protection.
- Oversee relationships and arrangements relating to estates, facilities, catering, cleaning, procurement and IT.
- Line manage relevant operational and administrative staff, setting clear expectations and supporting their development.
- Coordinate key school operations including events, the calendar, trips, lettings, wraparound care, cover, induction, training and communications.
- Support the school's marketing activity, website, social media and compliance with Lift Schools' brand standards.
- Manage competing priorities effectively and respond calmly and professionally when circumstances change.
What we're looking for
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or equivalent, together with Level 3 qualifications such as A levels or equivalent.
- An operational background, with some level of expertise across HR, finance, estates and/or IT.
- Experience of line managing a team.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, work effectively independently and as part of a team, and think clearly under pressure.
- The ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues, families, suppliers and external stakeholders.
- A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to solve problems and respond effectively to changing or high-pressure situations.
- Clear communication skills and the ability to develop and support others.
- High levels of confidentiality, resilience, flexibility and professional judgement.
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent, experience in an educational environment or budget management, IT literacy with Google Workspace, a Level 4 School Business Professional qualification (or willingness to work towards one), and/or experience developing or leading a network group would be desirable.
About Lift Hamford
Lift Hamford is a vibrant school within the Lift Schools network, rated 'Good' (November 2022), serving our coastal community. We are proud to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where high-quality teaching and learning is at the heart of everything we do.
Our staff work collaboratively to ensure all pupils thrive academically and personally.
Our nursery, which opened in January 2026, is now an important part of our school community, helping us to support children and families from the very start of their educational journey.
Please visit our school or have an informal discussion about this incredible role. You can also contact the school on 01255 673415.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 62 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 35,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives - and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
How we support you
We want you to feel supported, valued and able to grow throughout your career with Lift Schools. From high-quality professional development and career progression to wellbeing support and opportunities to connect and collaborate across our network, we invest in you so you can do your best work.
Discover how we'll support you to thrive, develop and grow your career in the way that's right for you: How we support you
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Lift Hamford
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 2 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- Size
- 393 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Lift Hamford website
Lift Hamford, part of Lift Schools is a welcoming two-form entry school in the coastal town of Walton-on-the-Naze. We are committed to giving every child the very best opportunities to thrive, with high-quality learning at the heart of everything we do.
Our vision is to unlock potential, nurture curiosity, and instil a lifelong love of learning. We want every child to feel inspired, supported and challenged developing the skills and confidence to succeed in the modern world while creating lasting memories.
Hamford continues to grow and evolve. We are proud to have a new nursery for 2–4 year olds and facilities that include a modern building for upper Key Stage 2, a dedicated Wellbeing Hub, extensive outdoor grounds, and an Autism Support Centre funded by Essex County Council.
Our strong team culture is central to our success. With passionate teachers, skilled teaching assistants in every year group, and a committed leadership team, pupils are at the heart of every decision we make. Staff benefit from supportive colleagues, professional development opportunities, and a working environment that values wellbeing and collaboration.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
Our mission:
We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.
School location
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