Catshill First School and Nursery

Operations Manager (SO1) £34,434

30 hours per week • Term time only + 5 days

Start: As soon as possible

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.

About the Role

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.

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.