Office Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive Office Manager to join a well-established educational organisation in Surrey. This role will play a pivotal part in ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the administration and reception functions while supporting a busy and growing environment.

Job Title: Office Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Surrey

Salary: £30,600 - £32,500 (term time only plus 2 additional weeks)

Benefits: Generous pension scheme, employee wellbeing support, professional development opportunities, generous holiday entitlement and access to a supportive working environment

Reference No: 16183

Office Manager – About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and proactive Office Manager to join a well-established educational organisation in Surrey. This role will play a pivotal part in ensuring the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of the administration and reception functions while supporting a busy and growing environment.

Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will oversee office operations, front-of-house services and key administrative processes, ensuring a professional, welcoming and responsive service is provided to pupils, families, staff, visitors and external stakeholders.

This is a varied and rewarding position suited to an organised and confident professional who can effectively manage competing priorities, lead administrative processes and maintain high standards of customer service, record keeping and operational efficiency. Main Responsibilities:

Oversee the day-to-day operation of the reception and administrative functions.

Ensure visitors, families, staff and external professionals receive a professional and welcoming experience.

Manage office systems, processes and procedures to support the efficient running of the organisation.

Supervise and coordinate administrative activities, ensuring workloads are effectively prioritised and managed.

Maintain accurate records and management information systems, ensuring data integrity and compliance.

Support pupil and staff administration processes, ensuring documentation is completed and maintained accurately.

Monitor and improve administrative procedures to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Manage correspondence, enquiries and communications, ensuring timely and professional responses.

Work collaboratively with senior leaders and wider teams to support operational objectives.

Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality requirements.

Coordinate office resources, supplies and facilities-related administration as required.

Support the continuous improvement of administrative systems and office operations.

The Successful Candidate Will Have:

Previous experience in an Office Manager, Senior Administrator, Operations Coordinator or similar role.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Experience supervising, coordinating or leading an administrative function.

Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records.

Strong IT skills and experience using database, administration or management information systems.

A professional and approachable manner with excellent customer service skills.

The ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

A proactive approach with strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to take ownership of processes.

An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and data protection requirements.

The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a busy environment.

Previous experience within education would be advantageous; however, candidates with strong transferable office management, administration or operational support experience from other sectors are encouraged to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for a capable and organised professional to join a supportive and purpose-driven organisation, where you can make a genuine impact while contributing to the smooth running of a dynamic educational environment.

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We do not discriminate on the grounds of any protected characteristics. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant. If you do not hear from one of our Consultants within five working days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Refer a Friend

If this role isn't quite right for you but you know someone who could be interested, refer them to us. You could receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we successfully place them into a permanent role, or £25 in vouchers for a temporary assignment (terms and conditions apply)