Operations Manager

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Why join us?

• Access to the Vivup Benefit System
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• LGPS Pension Scheme
• Extensive support and development opportunities

If you wish to discover more about this exciting opportunity, please contact: Karis Lambert, HR Manager: KLambert@chantryacademy.org. Alternatively, call us on 01473 687181.

The Active Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to actively share this commitment. All adults working in our Trust in whatever capacity will be part of a thorough safer recruitment process. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks including the taking of satisfactory references and enhanced criminal record clearance in line with the need to create and maintain a safe culture.

The Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 6 months’ probation period at the start of their employment. This policy aims to assess new employees’ alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Flexible working will be considered for all roles deemed suitable.