Manager-School Operations

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, safeguard, and keep the school building and grounds clean, ensuring the site is available for school use and other users 24/7.
• Oversee the organisation and delivery of administration and support services; deploy staff efficiently and, with the Principal/CEO, recruit well‑trained, high‑quality staff.
• Provide advice and strategic guidance to the Principal/CEO, Senior Leadership, and Corporate Office on business, finance, and operations; hold them accountable using robust performance‑management systems.
• Ensure that all staff receive ongoing professional development and training that advances the school’s objectives.
• Support the Principal/CEO in achieving strategic objectives through planning and leading specific parts of the business or improvement plan.
• Encourage and lead environmental sustainability initiatives across the site.
• Secure and operate the school site, buildings and grounds at all times, complying with current health & safety guidance.
• Coordinate repairs and maintenance; inspect required works and, if necessary, appoint external service providers through the Corporate Estates team.
• Monitor external contracts to maintain high standards of service and value for money.
• Plan and implement the business strategy, including policies, systems, processes and safeguarding framework.
• Manage budgets and expenditure – reduce operational costs while ensuring the school receives value for money.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety legislation and advise leadership accordingly.
• Direct and develop performance and working hours of administration and support teams to deliver a friendly, efficient, disciplined service.
• Be contactable outside normal school hours and attend site as required in line with the GEMS Critical Incident Response Protocols.
• Apply incremental or radical change to business processes and services to create self‑sustaining value, retain existing customers, attract new ones, and stimulate profit.
• Use financial information and benchmarking tools to identify spending variations, track trends, and advise leadership.
• Manage procurement: ordering, processing, and payment of goods and services; asset register; third‑party contracts with KPI monitoring.
• Collaborate with the Principal/CEO and Accounts Officer to direct the annual budgeting and planning process.
• Track department budget spend, prepare monthly variance analysis of administrative expenses, and reforecast.
• Ensure Delegation of Authority processes are followed and collaborate with the Accounting Department for the annual audit.
• Plan and oversee preventive maintenance schedules and day‑to‑day operation of all facilities.
• Manage campus utilities (lighting, heating, ventilation, water, energy, waste) and the upkeep of playing fields, gardens, and sports surfaces.
• Procure, repair, and maintain furniture and fittings for the school and staff accommodation.
• Procure overseas staff accommodation leases and negotiate lease rates according to local property regulations.
• Oversee third‑party services such as catering, transport, school shop, and after‑school activity facilities.
• Direct central services: security, maintenance, health & safety, cleaning, waste disposal and recycling.
• Confirm work completed by staff or contractors meets agreed scope; follow up on deficiencies.
• Oversee utilisation of space and resources; re‑organise premises as necessary.
• Daily monitor building management systems (BMS) and implement a scheduled maintenance programme.
• Conduct daily site checks for vandalism, maintenance issues, security, and cleaning standards.
• Lead programme to keep the site free of litter and gum; ensure internal and external areas remain clean.
• Maintain security systems, identify trends or weaknesses, and collaborate with GEMS Corporate Safety team for improvements.
• Ensure CCTV complies with data protection and current legislation.
• Promote safe parking procedures and community use of facilities as a venue for conferences and community activities.

• BA or equivalent advanced diploma / certificate in School Business Management / Facilities.
• Management qualification or NEBOSH / IOSH.

• At least five years in a senior‑level position within a service‑oriented industry.

• Fluency in English – written and oral.
• Attention to detail and meticulous follow‑up.
• Ability to multi‑task and work under pressure.
• Organisational and supervisory skills.
• Strategic planning and local government compliance knowledge; influence and networking with cultural sensitivity.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Commercial acumen.
• Initiative and energy beyond usual workday when required.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students and staff. A UK‑enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre‑requisite for all appointments.