GLF Schools has an exciting opportunity for a Business and Operations Manager, with experience in school business functions and a proven track record in providing operational support to schools.
The opportunity
The successful candidate will work as part of GLF Schools’ Business and Operations team, using their previous school office experience and expertise to provide operational guidance to school leaders and office teams. In this role, you will have the knowledge and skills to manage, develop and coordinate operational support across the trust and schools, collaborating across a wide range of business and specialist functions. We are looking for generalist school business management skills, and the candidate must be able to deliver guidance and manage projects in school business processes including (but not limited to) lettings, wrap-around provision and low-value procurement (below tender threshold).
The post can be based at any of our Trust offices (Banstead, Crawley, Caterham, Camberley or Banbury), and there are opportunities for hybrid working. There will be a requirement for travel to our 43 academies and the Trust office as needed.
We are looking to recruit to a full-time post (36 hours a week) working across the full year or Term Time plus 3 weeks but will consider applications for staggered start / finish times. Please indicate in your supporting statement (within the application form) your preferred working pattern.
What we are looking for
Someone who has:
We are seeking an individual who brings:
- Strong operational experience in school settings – with a solid understanding of school office functions and a proven track record of supporting or managing school administrative teams.
- Excellent IT proficiency – including advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and familiarity with MIS, SharePoint and other collaborative platforms. Confidence in using digital tools to streamline processes is essential.
- Demonstrated expertise in project management – including planning, business analysis and implementation to ensure projects are delivered on-time while ensuring quality outcomes and stakeholder alignment.
- Leadership and relationship-building skills – able to earn the trust of school leaders and office teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities – capable of engaging effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Versatile school business management expertise – with the ability to quickly adapt to new systems, policies and train staff across various office procedures.
Join the GLF Schools Community
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
- A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,000 colleagues and over 16,000 pupils
- Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness
- 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
- We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
- Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education
GLF Schools Employment Offer
GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish
- Access to our highly competitive Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Access to a staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
The Details
Hours: This role is offered on a full-time basis, either across the full calendar year (52 weeks) or during term time with an additional three weeks. Applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements will be considered, provided such arrangements are compatible with the operational requirements of our schools. Please indicate your preferred working pattern in your application.
Contract: Permanent
Grade: Senior Specialist
Annual Salary: £34,429 full-time equivalent. Please note full-time equivalent salary will be pro-rata’d based on actual hours agreed.
Advert Closing date: 8th December 2025 9am
Interview date: 11th December 2025
Start date: As soon as possible
Safeguarding Statement:
At GLF Schools, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is our top priority. We are fully committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works or volunteers with us to share that commitment. All roles are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We understand that life is busy and that flexibility matters. That’s why we’re happy to explore flexible working arrangements that help you balance your professional and personal commitments.
GLF Schools is proud to celebrate the rich diversity of our schools and communities. We’re building a culture where:
- Everyone is respected and valued.
- Discrimination is never tolerated.
- Equity and fairness are at the heart of everything we do.
- Staff, children, and students are safe to express their identities.
We believe that diversity strengthens our organisation and our community. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from groups that are underrepresented in our workforce. This includes, but is not limited to, people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, trans and non-binary individuals, people of all ages, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all faiths and beliefs.
To help us manage applications efficiently:
- We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong response, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
- We may also interview shortlisted candidates before the official closing date.
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we will carry out an online search and request references for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates will also be required to complete a self-declaration form. You will have the opportunity in the application form to confirm if you would prefer referees to be contacted after your interview.
