Office Manager

• Job type:
  
  Administration and Business Operations
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Work pattern:
  
  Part-time
• Salary:
  
  Please see below
• Date posted:
  Wednesday 21 January 2026
• Closing date for applications:
  Wednesday 18 February 2026
• Employer:
  
  Cumberland Council

Office Manager (Including Clerk to Governors responsibilities)

Start date as soon as possible

Permanent part time 35 hours (32.5 Office manager +2.5 Clerk to Governors)

Our school is looking for a confident, organised and forward thinking Office Manager, who can keep our community running smoothly and help us give every child the best possible start in life. This role blends strategic leadership with the day to day operational heartbeat of a busy primary school, so it suits someone who enjoys variety, problem solving and working with people.

You’ll be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring our school is efficient, compliant and financially secure. Your work will directly support teaching and learning by making sure our resources, systems and people are well managed.

• Provide professional clerking support to the Governing Body
• Prepare agendas, take accurate minutes and manage statutory documentation and training logs
• Offer guidance on governance procedures, policy requirements and meeting protocols

• Lead on budgeting, financial planning and monitoring, and work alongside the bursar to ensure sound financial management
• Oversee procurement, contracts and value for money decisions
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and audit requirements

• Manage the school office and administrative systems
• Lead HR processes including recruitment, induction and staff records and liaise with Capita, our HR provider.
• Keep staff personnel files up-to-date and track and record staff training
• Manage returns to the DFE, Local Authority and other external agencies.

• Line manage the midday supervisory team, ensuring smooth lunchtime operations
• Lead and support the cleaning team to maintain a safe, welcoming and high standard learning environment
• Provide clear communication, training and performance management for both teams

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Experience in finance, administration or school business management
• Confidence working with data, budgets and compliance
• A calm, positive approach and the ability to build strong relationships
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

You’ll be part of a warm, supportive school community where your work genuinely makes a difference. Every day brings new challenges and new opportunties to shape the environment our children learn in.

If you’re ready to take on a role that’s varied, meaningful and central to school life, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date Wednesday 18th February 12 noon

Shortlisting & Candidates informed Wednesday 18th February

Interviews Tuesday 24th February

Valley Primary School and Nursery
Whinlatter Road
Mirehouse
Whitehaven
CA28 8DA