Soka Partners
Operations Manager - Education
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Operations Manager - Senior Leadership Team
Specialist Education & Care
Salary: Up to £65k
Location: Lancaster
Reporting to: School Principal
About the Opportunity
We are working with a specialist education and care organisation to appoint an experienced Operations Manager to join their Senior Leadership Team.
This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for providing strategic and operational oversight of business support services, workforce planning, HR operations and compliance. Working closely with the Principal, Assistant Principal, Head of Care and Divisional Business Manager, the successful candidate will help build a positive, compliant and high-performing culture in which both staff and students can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Act as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational planning and the delivery of strategic objectives.
- Lead projects that improve operational efficiency, workforce effectiveness and compliance.
Workforce Planning & Talent Management
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- Lead workforce planning to ensure effective staffing levels, succession planning and workforce sustainability.
- Oversee end-to-end recruitment and retention strategy.
Employee Relations
- Provide leadership on disciplinary, grievance, capability and absence management processes.
- Ensure fair, consistent and legally compliant people management practices across the organisation.
HR Compliance & Safeguarding
- Maintain oversight of Single Central Record compliance, DBS monitoring, Right to Work checks and mandatory training compliance.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and safeguarding guidance, and support inspection readiness.
Operations Management
- Oversee daily operational functions, administration systems and business continuity arrangements.
- Support health and safety compliance and lead operational improvement projects.
Performance & Data Management
- Produce and analyse workforce and operational performance reports, presenting meaningful management information to senior leaders.
Leadership Responsibilities
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- Lead, coach and develop operational support teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
About You
Essential Qualifications
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
- CIPD Level 5 (or working towards).
- GCSE English and Mathematics.
Essential Experience
- Significant operational management experience, including managing HR functions within education, health or social care.
- Experience leading recruitment, retention and employee relations casework within a regulated environment.
- Experience producing workforce reports and driving organisational improvement.
- Strong knowledge of employment law, safeguarding requirements and GDPR/data protection.
Key Attributes
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively.
- Strong analytical and report-writing capabilities.
- High levels of discretion and professionalism.
- The ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
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