This is an exciting time to join Chorus Education Trust working at Hope Valley College. We are seeking an experienced manager to join our school Senior Leadership Team. Working under the Headteacher and direction of the Trust, the postholder will implement consistent operational policy and procedure at the school, be part of the leadership team, support strategic school decision-making, and line manage a variety of support staff at the school site, including the site team and administration team.

The successful candidate must have an operational management background, significant team management experience and be competent in the areas of finance, HR, and general premises health and safety.  They must also be able to work collaboratively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including the Trust central team, the PTFA, our catering contractor and our transport providers. They must also understand the importance of working to create a successful school environment for young people.  An understanding of school finances and the challenges a small rural school faces would be beneficial.

If you want to lead enthusiastic and hard-working teams, join an innovative growing Trust and school, with a forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team, and staff who are passionate about improving the life chances of young people, then please apply for further information using the details below.

Job description

The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities within the spirit of the school and trust policies and within the framework of legislation relating to academies and education, with particular regard to the statutory responsibilities of the trust and the governing body of the school(s).

The specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Specific duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibility Areas:

·         To be responsible for delivering an efficient and effective business support service at the school ensuring it achieves the Trust and school’s stated aims and objectives, working with the central business support team. 

·         A member of the school leadership team, leading an effective and professional school-based support staff team in the delivery of: 

o   Budgetary control and school strategic financial management in collaboration with Finance Manager and central finance team

o   Lead role in overseeing Human Resource processes and Payroll processes in collaboration with central team

o   Responsible for planning, development, management of administration and operational services in school

o   Premises and health and safety management working with the central team

Duties will vary depending on the school but may include, but not be limited to:

Leadership and Management

·     Line manage and appraise school-based business support services, team leaders and managers: e.g. administrative, exams, (if/as appropriate) premises and catering managers, including delegation of relevant activities.

·         Postholder has full accountability for the whole business services team based in school (small secondary).

·         Ensure effective delivery of an effective and efficient business operations service.

·         Provide strategic support to the Headteacher and SLT on aspects of academy business management within the role.

·         Attend meetings of the Full Local Governing Body and other bodies as appropriate to represent the interests of the Trust/School, and occasionally the Trust as required. 

·         Manage the School Risk Register.

Financial, Administration and Operations Management

·         Implementation and oversight of agreed trust wide systems and policies which ensure the effective maintenance and control of all budgets and accounts.

·        Ensure financial control and compliance within School and advise SLT on all aspects of the Academies Handbook and the Trust Finance manuals and policy at all times and advise staff on procedures, in conjunction with Finance Manager and central team.

·         Assist colleagues in the collation of information required for Audit purposes.

·         Oversee budget forecasting and management process with the Headteacher and budget holders, and in conjunction with the Finance Manager.

·         Act as budget holder for assigned budgets, in accordance with the Trusts Financial Procedures Manual, and ensure action is taken to identify variations and take corrective action.

·         Ensure effective administration systems are in place and operated to support the business operations of the school and the central team.

·         Provide financial and relevant management information and appropriate reports to the Central Team, Headteacher, Leadership Team, and Local Governing Body.

·         Prepare bids for supplementary external funding/ sponsorship for the academy and maximize the income generated by the school from lettings if applicable.

·         Liaise with the central IT Service to oversee and ensure the systems and IT resources are fit for purpose and meet school requirements.

·         Provide day-to-day support for school-based IT colleagues who will ultimately be line managed by the Trust.

·         Work with the central team to ensure effective promotion and marketing materials for the school to different audiences are accurate, timely, consistent and appropriate.

·         Ensure school compliance with GDPR in accordance with Trust procedures and systems, working with central MIS colleagues and the DPO.

·         Take a lead role in reviewing procedures and activities within the school, relating to general matters such as administration/clerical procedures, human resources and budgetary control.

Human Resources & Payroll

·        Liaise with the Headteacher and central HR Advisors on HR issues and ensure the implementation of Trust HR policies and procedures in the academy.

·         Liaise with the Headteacher and central team with regard to job descriptions, person specifications and the application of job evaluations as required.

·         Oversight of HR matters and the implementation of Trust HR systems for the school.

·        Ensure Trust procedures regarding contracts, salaries, pensions, absence management etc (as appropriate) are implemented.

·        Oversee the monitoring and reporting of staff attendance to meet the academy and Trust reporting requirements.

·        Ensure the Trust absence management policy is implemented, and the return-to-work interview process is coordinated and undertaken.

·        Oversight of school recruitment in line with Trust process and procedures.

·        Provide school level information as required for Trust payroll system ensuring that all statutory responsibilities can be met by the Trust, including assisting with completion of pension returns if required.

·        Participate in meetings with Trade Union representatives as required where related to the post and areas of responsibility.

·        Implement systems for support staff school induction, professional reviews and CPD (Continued Professional Development) derived from developmental appraisal.

Premises and Health & Safety Management

·         Assist with Health & Safety requirements across the school in order to support the Headteacher and central team in meeting statutory duties and ensuring a safe environment of all.

·         Play a leading role in the management of critical incidents at the school as part of the leadership team, in conjunction with the central team.

·     Liaise with the central team and onsite Facilities Manager (or equivalent) to ensure the security, cleaning, maintenance and provision of all services to the school are met and comply with Health & Safety requirements.  Support the central team to manage contractual issues in relation to any PFI contract.

·         Maximise opportunities for the use of the school’s assets and resources.

·         Contribute to income generation schemes and manage and monitor such projects as required.

·         Support the Headteacher and central team, with onsite premises projects, leading and managing them as/if required.

·         Ensure the provision of an efficient and effective meals service within the school in conjunction with the central team.