Senior Office Manager

Foulsham Primary School Academy, Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 5RT

7 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  as soon as possible

• Closing date

  7 February 2025 at 3pm

• Date listed

  24 January 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £27,711.00 - £30,060.00 Annually (FTE)

Senior Office Manager job summary

Are you a highly organised, motivated, and talented professional seeking an exciting leadership role in school administration? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

We are looking for a Senior Office Manager to play a pivotal role in the leadership and smooth operation of two thriving small school communities: Corpusty Primary School and Foulsham Primary School, part of the dynamic Tri-School Federation within Synergy Multi-Academy Trust. This is a unique opportunity to join the Senior Leadership Team and oversee the administration teams across two schools, contributing directly to their continued success and growth.

Why This Role?

Our schools are at the heart of their local communities, providing a nurturing, inclusive, and welcoming environment for children aged 4 to 11. Together, we live by the Federation’s vision: Empower, Explore, Excel. We empower children to believe in their abilities, inspire them to explore their passions, and help them excel in everything they do. As Senior Office Manager, you will embody these values, becoming the "front of house" leader who helps drive the schools’ shared vision forward.

As part of Synergy Multi-Academy Trust, you’ll benefit from:

Training and CPD Opportunities: Access to advanced technologies, professional networks, and leadership development tailored to support your growth.

Collaborative Environment: Work alongside dedicated professionals across the Trust, sharing best practices and innovative solutions.

Community Impact: Make a real difference in two schools celebrated for their "big hearts" and their commitment to fostering strong, supportive relationships with pupils, parents, and staff.

About the Role

This is an exciting, varied, and high-responsibility role requiring exceptional organisational skills, the ability to prioritise effectively, and a keen eye for detail. You will oversee administrative systems, processes, and teams across Corpusty Primary School and Foulsham Primary School, ensuring excellence in all aspects of school operations.

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Organisation

Lead and manage administrative/reception staff across both schools, including appraisals, training, and professional development.

Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning and operational excellence.

Develop and maintain high-performing administrative systems to ensure the smooth running of the school offices.

Promote the vision and values of the Federation and Trust, encouraging a culture of excellence and positivity.

Support the efficient running of breakfast club, lunches, and afterschool care provisions.

Administrative Excellence

Manage and oversee manual and electronic record systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with data protection policies.

Analyse and evaluate data, producing reports to support decision-making by the Senior Leadership Team and Governors.

Organise and support school events, trips, and activities, including managing associated risk assessments.

Act as a welcoming first point of contact for parents, visitors, and external stakeholders, ensuring professional safeguarding processes are in place.

Operate relevant ICT packages such as Arbor, SharePoint, Teams, Word, Excel, and school-specific databases.

Maintain stock and supplies, manage orders, and ensure Best Value principles are followed in purchasing processes.

Financial & Resource Management

Assist with budget preparation, procurement, and financial monitoring, ensuring compliance with Best Value principles.

Oversee school licenses, contracts, and insurance policies to ensure they remain up-to-date and compliant.

Support fundraising initiatives and secure sponsorships or additional funding opportunities.

Undertake general financial administration, including processing orders and monitoring transactions.

Compliance & Safeguarding

Manage recruitment administration, DBS checks, and personnel documentation in collaboration with HR.

Organise and support recruitment interviews, induction processes, and training bookings.

Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (training provided).

Ensure safeguarding and welfare of children, adhering to the Federation’s policies and procedures.

Support the school leadership team with auditing processes, including health and safety and safeguarding compliance.

Additional Responsibilities

Provide advice and guidance to staff, pupils, and parents on administrative processes and school policies.

Participate in training, meetings, and performance development activities as required.

Support difference and ensure equal opportunities for all within the school community.

What We’re Looking For

Proven experience in administration, ideally within an educational setting.

Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across two school sites.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community.

Proficiency in IT systems, with a willingness to learn school-specific platforms.

A proactive, solution-focused mindset and the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a team.

A commitment to upholding the values and vision of Synergy Multi-Academy Trust.

Willingness to undertake First Aid, HR, and safeguarding training to enhance your role effectiveness.

Why Join Us?

Professional Development: Benefit from bespoke CPD opportunities and cutting-edge training.

Supportive Environment: Thrive in a culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and values your contributions.

Meaningful Impact: Be part of the Senior Leadership Team, making a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families.

About Our Schools

Corpusty Primary School: Nestled in a picturesque Norfolk village, Corpusty is a small school with a big heart, known for its close-knit community, inclusive ethos, and ambition to help every child reach their potential.

Foulsham Primary School: A vibrant and welcoming school with strong ties to its local community, Foulsham takes pride in empowering its pupils to explore their interests and excel in their learning.

Both schools are proud members of Synergy Multi-Academy Trust, a collaborative and forward-thinking organisation that strives to deliver the highest quality education and opportunities for all pupils.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a completed application form along with a supporting statement detailing your suitability for the role.

For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact Headteacher Miles Elcock or Deputy Headteacher Emma Bourner.

Synergy Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Enhanced DBS checks will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Join us and become a valued leader at the heart of two incredible school communities!

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs are not accepted.

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.

About Foulsham Primary School Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 5 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 73 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 5 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report (opens in new tab)
• School website: Foulsham Primary School Academy website (opens in new tab)
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/foulsham-primary-school-academy (opens in new tab)

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