OPERATIONS MANAGER

Location: Chantry Academy, Ipswich
Salary: ALT Grade J, Point 35-39 (£45,092 - £49,283)
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, all year round (52 weeks)
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 18 August 2025

ABOUT US

Chantry Academy is a thriving and ambitious, Ofsted rated good academy. Our vision is to provide learning that ensures everyone has the skills to be versatile, the opportunities to exceed their aspirations, the knowledge to be learned, the empathy to be understanding, the enthusiasm to be engaged and the encouragement to be determined. Our community is always valued.

ABOUT YOU

We are looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in administration, finance, HR, premises, or health and safety roles.
• Proven leadership and line management experience.
• Strong IT and analytical skills with the ability to handle complex information and make strategic decisions.
• A relevant Level 5 qualification (or working towards), such as a Diploma in Management and Leadership.
• A commitment to the Trust’s values, safeguarding, inclusion, and the principles of public service.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We now have a unique opportunity for an experienced or aspiring Operations Manager to join our people-first, purpose-driven school at the heart of the Active Learning Trust.
This isn’t just about systems and spreadsheets; it’s about shaping a school where every young person can thrive. Where your strategic mind, eye for detail, and calm presence create the foundation for learning to flourish.
You’ll be more than a manager. You’ll be the engine that keeps everything running, the bridge between our school and the wider Trust, and the orchestrator of the daily rhythm that makes great teaching and learning possible.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage business operations across the academy, including financial oversight, compliance, and procurement.
• Monitor budgets and payroll in collaboration with the Trust’s finance team.
• Line manage support staff across a range of functions.
• Oversee facilities and resource management, lettings, and community use of premises.
• Project manage academy improvement initiatives and support Trust-wide strategies at a local level.
• Ensure robust systems and policies for recruitment, performance management, training, and safeguarding are in place and followed.
• Act as the main point of contact between the academy and the Trust’s central teams for IT, HR, Estates, and Finance.