School Operations Manager - Catshill First and Nursery School

About the Role

We are looking for an exceptional Operations Manager to work at Catshill First School and Nursery, leading the operational, HR and compliance functions that keep the setting running smoothly, safely and efficiently. This is a strategic, varied and influential role at the heart of our school's success.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher, Operations Manager at Catshill Middle School and the Spire Trust Central Team, to ensure that systems, people and processes across both schools are aligned, well managed and consistently high quality.

You will be the school's operational lead, responsible for:

• HR leadership - first point of contact for staff across the school, managing recruitment, contracts, payroll information, absence, welfare and maintaining a fully compliant Single Central Record.
• Compliance and risk management - maintaining the Risk Register and Asset Management Plan, ensuring statutory returns are accurate and timely, and acting as the Local Data Protection Officer.
• Health & Safety leadership - overseeing all statutory H&S requirements, working with the Trust Estates provider, and ensuring safe systems across the site.
• Facilities and estates management - line managing the Caretaker and overseeing planned and reactive maintenance, contractors and building projects.
• Office and administrative leadership - managing the admin team in the school to deliver a high quality, efficient service to pupils, staff, parents and visitors.
• Line management - leading the Network Manager, Caretaker, Lunchtime Supervisors, Cleaners and contracted services, ensuring strong performance and appropriate training.

You will need to have the ability to prioritise, organise and manage time effectively and to balance strategic oversight with hands on operational leadership, often responding to fast moving needs while maintaining a clear view of long term planning.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and people centred professional who can:

• Lead with confidence, clarity and integrity
• Build strong relationships with staff, governors, Trust colleagues and external partners
• Navigate HR processes with accuracy, confidentiality and sensitivity
• Maintain rigorous compliance across safeguarding, GDPR, H&S and statutory returns
• Oversee facilities and estates with a practical, solution focused approach
• Manage multiple priorities in a busy, multi site environment
• Contribute positively to the ethos and values of the federation and Trust.

Experience in a school setting is desirable but not essential for the right candidate with strong transferable skills.

What We Offer

• A warm, supportive and ambitious federation
• A key leadership role with genuine impact across a school
• Opportunities for professional development
• The chance to shape and strengthen systems that support staff and pupils every day
• A committed Trust team offering expertise in HR, finance, estates and data protection

How to Apply

For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact the school office. Completed applications should be returned by Monday 13th April 2026, 9am.

For further information or an application form, please contact Mrs Justine Pearson, School Business Manager by telephone or .

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all other relevant pre employment checks.

An online search will be undertaken on all shortlisted candidates. This search does not form part of the shortlisting process and you will have the chance to discuss any issues of concern that come up during the search at interview. Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self declaration form.

Hours: 30 hours per week

Grade: SO1, SCP , £34,434 £36,363 - This is based on Full Time Salary and will be pro rata.

Closing date: Monday 13th April

Interviews: TBC

Start Date: As soon as possible - subject to satisfactory clearance checks