School Operations Manager
About this role
School Operations Manager (School Support Staff & Leadership)
Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing
Client: Lift Hamford (Part of Lift Schools)
Location: Elm Tree Avenue, Walton on the Naze, Essex, CO14 8TE
Position Type: Permanent | Full-Time (37 Hours/Week, 45 Weeks/Year)
Salary: £34,395.08 – £38,049.89 per annum + Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) & Lift Schools Benefits
Key Dates: Closing Date: 11 October 2026
About the Role
Supportive Bridge Staffing is proud to partner with Lift Hamford to recruit an organized, proactive, and dynamic School Operations Manager.
In this pivotal leadership support role, you will lead the day-to-day operational running of the school across HR, finance, estates, IT, compliance, and administration. Serving as the primary link between the school and Lift Schools’ regional and central specialist teams, you will optimize operational processes so the Principal and Senior Leadership Team can focus on delivering an exceptional education.
Key Responsibilities
Cross-Functional Operations: Oversee HR administration, recruitment, payroll adjustments, finance processes (purchase orders, invoicing), estates, health & safety, and IT coordination.
Central Link & Compliance: Act as the operational liaison with Lift Schools' regional HR, Finance, Estates, and IT teams; ensure strict compliance with data protection, visitor DBS protocols, and first aid regulations.
Team Leadership: Line manage administrative and operational staff, setting clear expectations and supporting professional development.
Event & Logistics Coordination: Coordinate school events, calendar planning, trips, lettings, wraparound care, cover arrangements, and staff inductions.
Vendor & Service Management: Oversee relationships and service standards for catering, cleaning, procurement, and site maintenance contractors.
Marketing & Communications: Support school marketing, website management, social media channels, and adherence to trust branding standards.
What We Are Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
GCSE Mathematics and English (Grade 4/C or equivalent) plus Level 3 qualifications (A-Levels or equivalent).
Strong operational background with expertise across HR, finance, facilities, or IT.
Proven line management experience.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure.
Strong communication skills, high resilience, flexibility, and impeccable discretion.
Desirable Criteria:
Experience within an educational or school business setting.
Bachelor’s degree or Level 4 School Business Professional qualification (or willingness to work towards it).
Proficiency in Google Workspace and school budget management.
About the School & Network
Lift Hamford: Rated Good by Ofsted (November 2022), Lift Hamford is a vibrant primary school serving a close-knit coastal community in Walton-on-the-Naze. The school expanded its community provision in January 2026 with the opening of a brand-new nursery on-site.
Lift Schools Network: A national network of 62 primary, secondary, and special schools educating over 35,000 pupils across the UK. Joining Lift Schools provides career progression, professional development programs, and trust-wide wellbeing benefits.