Operations Manager (Essex)

Lion Academy Trust; Essex; On-site; GBP 49,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the operational efficiency of multiple schools. This role involves leading a facilities team, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing financial processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong organisational skills and a commitment to maintaining high standards in school operations. This full-time, permanent position offers a salary range of £49,282-£52,413 and various benefits including professional development and employee assistance programs.

Benefits

Annual leave entitlement from 28 days, increasing to 32 days after five years

Unlimited access to CPD and career development

Employee Assistance programme

Perks at Work discounts

Cycle to work and other salary sacrifice schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in operational management within an educational setting.
• Strong leadership capabilities to manage a facilities team.
• Ability to develop policies supporting strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the operational management of multiple schools.
• Lead the facilities team for a safe learning environment.
• Oversee budgeting and financial planning.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Financial management

Health and safety compliance

Job description

We are looking for an Operations Manager who is looking to join our motivated and committed team.

Weare looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who will bring organisation and commitment tothis role, ensuring all duties are completed to the highest standard.

Reporting directly to the Regional Director (with a dotted line to the Operations Director), you will beresponsible for undertaking:

• Ensuring all non?teaching aspects of the schools run efficiently and effectively.
• The operational management of multiple schools within the Trust, ensuring a high standard ofservice delivery.
• Lead and manage the facilities team to ensure all buildings and grounds are safe, well-maintained, and conducive to learning.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, conducting regular audits and riskassessments.
• Manage procurement processes to achieve value for money and quality outcomes.
• Work with finance teams to oversee budgeting, financial planning, and expenditure control.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to support the Trust’s strategicgoals.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including staff, students, parents, and external partners.

In addition to the opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative working environment, we can offeryou:

• Full-time, permanent role, with 37 hours per week
• Annual leave entitlement, from 28 days, increasing to 32 days after five years (+ 8bankholidays)
• Salary range £49,282-£52,413 subject to nationally negotiated annual pay dealfor local authorityworkers
• Unlimited access to CPD and career development through providers such as TheNationalCollege and The Key.
• A vibrant and rapidly improving school with rewards and opportunities for motivatedandcommitted individuals
• Employee Assistance programme for you and your immediate family
• Perks at Work exclusive rewards and discounts programme
• Cycle to work, technology and home, or car lease salary sacrifice schemes

Application Closing Date: 25 January 2026
Interview dates to be arranged: Week commencing 2 February 2026

NB: Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and the school reserves the right towithdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply early.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people andvulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will require two positive references from current and previous employers. The positionis subject to an enhanced DBS and medical checks.