School Operations Manager

About the role

Are you a rigorous operational professional or school business manager ready to drive excellence across two vibrant Manchester primary academies? We are seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented School Operations Manager to lead and oversee daily operations, health & safety compliance, building management, and localised HR/finance administration across Co‑op Academy Medlock and Co‑op Academy New Islington. Serving over 800 pupils across two busy inner‑city sites, from early years through to Year 6, this role is the operational backbone of our schools. Working as a vital liaison between school leadership teams and central Trust specialists, you will ensure high standards, robust compliance, and seamless day‑to‑day facilities management so our teaching staff can focus on what matters most, our pupils.

Responsibilities

• Take lead responsibility for site health & safety compliance across both academy sites; oversee risk assessments, statutory reporting, planned preventative maintenance, fire/lockdown drills, and site supervisor line management.
• Supervise premises maintenance, manage third‑party contractors, monitor cleaning/catering SLAs, and support capital project planning (SCA funding) alongside central Trust Estates teams.
• Manage school reception, safeguarding protocols, MIS data integrity, policy dissemination, admissions processing, and local LA survey returns.
• Handle local HR administration (SAM People compliance, SCR maintenance, sickness thresholds, stage 1 return‑to‑works, and recruitment setup); support central Finance with petty cash, purchase requisitions, Early Years funding applications, and local procurement.
• Work closely in a supportive matrix structure with central Trust teams across Finance, HR, Estates, and Procurement.

Requirements

• Proven experience in school/academy administration, office management, or multi‑site operational coordination.
• Practical experience managing health & safety compliance, risk assessments, contractor management, and facilities/premises checks.
• Strong familiarity with school MIS systems, local HR/finance administration, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities calmly across two sites while building positive working relationships with staff, parents, and central teams.

Qualifications

Minimum NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent experience) plus GCSE Maths & English (Grade 4–9/A–C). CSBM or School Business Management qualifications are desirable.

Benefits

• City‑centre location with excellent transport links and parking.
• Co‑op colleague discounts.
• Gym membership schemes.
• Credit Union access.
• Generous LGPS pension provisions.
• Supported by specialist central Trust teams in Finance, Estates, HR, and Procurement.
• Dedicated continuous professional development (CPD) and clear pathways for career progression within the Trust.

Pay

Salary £35,570 – £39,481 (NJC Scale 23–27).

Schedule

37.00 hours per week, 52.143 weeks per year (all‑year‑round contract).