School Operations Manager

Job Description

£39,149.75 - £41,768.60+ well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Permanent, Full Time

37 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year

May 2026 Start

We are looking for a School Operations Manager to join us in May 2026, this is a pivotal role for an individual who is highly organised, proactive and solutions focused, with the ability to lead and oversee all operational aspects of the school.

In this role, you will act as the vital link between the school and the regional team, ensuring the seamless coordination of all operational processes. You will report directly to the Principal, work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in ensuring the school operates effectively and efficiently at all times.

You will:

• Lead all operational functions including HR liaison, finance processes, estates, IT coordination, compliance and front office management
• Line manage key operational staff, including the School Facilities Manager and administration team
• Act as the key link between the school and regional/central teams
• Lead on Health & Safety, GDPR compliance and statutory operational requirements
• Oversee lettings, school events, communications logistics and daily cover coordination
• Manage procurement processes and support effective budget administration
• Design and deliver staff induction and monitor completion of mandatory training

You will have :

• An operational background with experience across HR, finance, estates or IT
• Line management experience, with the ability to develop and support others
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively
• A proactive, solution-focused approach and resilience in a fast-paced environment
• Clear communication skills and the ability to build trusted professional relationships
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold high professional standards

About Lift Maltings

Lift Maltings is an 11-16 school based in Witham, Essex. Situated between the cities of Chelmsford and Colchester, the school has 900 students on roll and benefits from a modern, purpose-built site opened in 2011. With excellent transport links to London, our staff and students can take full advantage of the wealth of opportunities the capital provides. Free car parking facilities are available on site.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Leanne Abbott-Jones, Principal, at labbottjones@liftmaltings.org

Closing date : 6th March 2026

Interview date : 13th March 2026

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 58 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

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 inline 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.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Information about the School

Lift New Rickstones, located in Witham, Essex, is a vibrant secondary school with a thriving sixth form. We are proud to be part of Lift Schools, a family of 57 schools united by the mission to provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.

At Lift New Rickstones, we prepare students for an ever changing world by equipping them with the skills, resilience, and ambition to embrace future opportunities. We believe that who you become is just as important as what you achieve, and our goal is to ensure every young person is supported, challenged, and inspired to thrive both academically and personally. Our values underpin everything we do:

-Ambition – the drive to learn, improve, and succeed. -Character – confidence, resilience, kindness, and integrity. -Opportunity – experiences that broaden horizons and open new paths.

We offer an ambitious and inclusive curriculum from Year 7 through to Year 13, delivered through high-quality teaching and exceptional pastoral care. Beyond the classroom, our students benefit from a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including sport, the arts, leadership programmes, and trips that create lasting memories and broaden perspectives.

We are proud of our strong partnerships with parents, the local community, and further education providers, which help us ensure our students leave Lift New Rickstones prepared, confident, and proud of who they are. Everything we do is designed to make sure our students are safe, happy, and ready to succeed in the 21st century.

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.