Operations Manager

Job Title: Operations Manager

Actual Annual Salary: £19,334 - £20,627 Based on hours and working weeks

Full-Time Equivalent Salary: £40,958 - £43,697 (CLF Grade F). Based on 37 hours per week, all year round.

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 07 December 2027 or until return of the postholder (Maternity Cover)

Hours: 18.5 per week plus inset days and 20 additional days

Flexibility: Working days/hours can be negotiated so long as 18.5 hours are worked across the week, and a minimum of 3 days are worked.

Provisional Start Date: 7th December 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?

Waycroft Academy is seeking a dedicated and proactive Operations Manager to lead and coordinate our 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. 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.

About Waycroft Academy:

Waycroft Academy is a two-form entry primary school, with nursery provisions for both two and three-year-olds, located in Stockwood, Bristol. We have extensive grounds that provide our children with many opportunities for outdoor learning.

We are committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as making sure that we support the personal development of every individual child. In our last Ofsted inspection, it was commented that, ‘Staff provide extensive pastoral support. Pupils have wide-ranging experiences to develop their character. Staff champion pupils’ physical and mental well-being.’ Our school values of 'Ready, Respectful, Resilient' are important to all members of our community and the culture at our school is one in which children and staff look out for each other.

Why work at CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 37 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What we 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:

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

Shortlisting: 26 October 2026

Interviews: 03 November 2026

For informal discussions about the role/to find out more, please email CLFs Recruitment Team directly (details can be found on the 'Contact Us' page on CLFs website, or in the 'Application Instructions' section when applying).

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs – a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.

We are unable to offer sponsorship with this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.   

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.