Hours: Full Time, Term Time
Start date: 1 September 2026
Location: Stapleton, Bristol
Job Title: Operations Manager
Actual Annual Salary: £37,433 - £39,937 Based on hours and working weeks.
Full Time Equivalent Salary: £39,649 - £42,301 (CLF Grade F). Based on 37 hours per week, all year round.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week, Term Time Only plus Inset days plus 20 additional days
Provisional Start Date: 01 September 2026 (Subject to completion of pre-employment checks)
Are you an experienced and highly organised operations professional looking to make a real difference in education?
Our Client's Academy is seeking a dedicated and proactive Operations Manager to lead and coordinate the administrative, compliance and operational functions, ensuring the smooth and effective day to day running of the academy.
This is a key leadership role, working closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to develop and embed robust systems, processes and procedures that support excellent outcomes for our pupils. You will also have the opportunity to join and lead a well established administration team.
The role is varied and hands-on, requiring someone who can balance strategic oversight with day-to-day operational support, leading on areas such as compliance, Health and Safety and administration, while ensuring the academy operates efficiently and effectively at all times.
We are looking for someone with strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities, who is committed to high standards and continuous improvement.
If you are passionate about supporting education through exceptional operational practice and want to be part of a collaborative and supportive school community, we would love to hear from you.
About the role
Reporting to the Principal, you will act as the lead professional services colleague within the academy, overseeing all operational systems and processes. You will ensure that administration, compliance and Health & Safety arrangements are robust, efficient and well embedded.
You will:
Lead and manage the academy's administrative and operational functions
Work in partnership with the Principal, senior leaders and central teams
Line manage and develop administrative staff, promoting high standards
Take responsibility for key areas including Health & Safety, compliance and statutory processes
Build strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
Provide high-quality reporting, analysis and operational support to leadership
This is a varied and fast-paced role requiring excellent organisation, initiative and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
About you:
Hold (or be working towards) a business‑related qualification at NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience, with strong literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE English and Maths A*-C or equivalent).
Substantial experience in senior administration and/or operations roles.
Strong understanding of safeguarding, data protection, compliance and health & safety processes.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and confident using digital systems, including MIS platforms.
Able to plan, prioritise and problem‑solve effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Skilled in building positive, professional relationships with staff, families, contractors and external partners.
Confident communicating clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
Experienced in leading or line‑managing staff, supporting development and coordinating workloads.
Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Passionate about contributing to a safe, inclusive and high‑quality school environment.
Committed to equality, inclusion and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people.
Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.
What the client can offer you:
Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Generous annual leave.
A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!
Recruitment timeline:
For informal discussions about the role/to find out more, please email
Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people
Salary description
£37433.00 - £39937.00 per year