Harlow Cluster
Group Operations Manager
Job Purpose
As the cluster’s leading support staff professional and part of the Senior Leadership Team, to assist the
Executive Headteacher and deliver operationally in a high-expectations environment, so that the Executive
Headteacher and other senior leaders can focus on the delivery of an excellent educational vision without
distraction. To lead and manage the support staff team to enhance their effectiveness, promote the highest
standards of business ethos and strategically ensure the most effective use of resources in order to achieve
improved standards of learning and achievement in the cluster.
Reports to: Executive Headteacher
Responsible for: Administrative, Premises and Operational Staff
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, attend SLT meetings, cluster meetings and Governing
Body meetings as appropriate, contributing to and influencing strategic planning and decision making.

Take responsibility for all aspects of HR, ICT, catering, administration and operations support to
contribute to the achievement of the educational vision for the cluster.

In the absence of the Executive Headteacher, take delegated responsibility for operational decisions.

Plan, manage and actively promote change and initiatives that promote regularity, propriety, value for
money and best standards, in accordance with the cluster’s strategic plan.

Develop and strategically lead a strong team of support staff to deliver effective support services
across the cluster, including line management of administrative, premises and operational staff.

Work collaboratively with other NET Academies and central staff from NET Academies Trust to
develop high quality systems and services throughout the network, offering support where required
and attending School Business Managers Group meetings.

Keep abreast of developments and changes in the sector, advising SLT and Governors and
implementing change where appropriate.

Support SLT in fostering a strong sense of community and ethos among staff and pupils, promote the
consistent implementation of the Behaviour Policy and act as a positive role model.
Health and Safety and Risk Management

Ensure a safe and secure environment for the stakeholders of the cluster, enabling consultation with
stakeholders on health and safety issues.

Act as the cluster’s Health and Safety Manager and Fire Officer, and ensure that appropriate health
and safety legislation, policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.

Oversee the day-to-day management of health and safety within the cluster, ensuring that systems
are in place for effective monitoring and reporting of issues to SLT, Governors and the NETAT team.

Plan, instigate and maintain records of fire drills and alarm tests.

Ensure that the cluster’s Health and Safety Policy is clearly communicated, available to all,
implemented at all times and reviewed routinely and as required.

Ensure that systems are in place to enable the identification of hazards and to ensure that all the
requirements of risk management are met and all required risk assessments are kept up to date.

Work closely with the Finance Manager to produce, maintain and review the cluster risk register and
take action to address any high risk areas.

Ensure that statutory obligations are being met for pupils with special educational needs, ensuring
that financial and supporting agency services are adequate for their diverse needs.
Job Description
Operations Manager
1
Administration Management

Design, manage and consistently review effective administrative systems that are affordable and link
with other systems across the cluster to deliver outcomes based on the cluster’s aims and goals.

Prepare information for publications and returns for the DfE, LA, Trust and other agencies and
stakeholders within statutory guidelines.

Liaise with the central NETAT team to ensure that appropriate insurance cover is in place.

Ensure that the academies comply with Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation.

Ensure that the academies’ websites are kept up to date, accurately and positively represent the
academy, the cluster and the Trust, and contain sufficient information to be compliant and informative.

Prepare and issue correspondence to parents, including general information and specific issues
regarding pupils.
ICT and Management Information Systems

Proactively manage ICT systems within the cluster to ensure outstanding provision.

Ensure that the cluster has a strategy for using technology aligned to the overall vision and plans for
the cluster, consulting with the relevant stakeholders and ensuring value for money.

Communicate the ICT strategy and relevant policies, including Data Protection, across the cluster.

Establish systems to monitor and report on the performance of technology within the academies.

Ensure that resources, support and training are provided to enable staff to make the best use of
available ICT including teaching, learning and assessment systems.

Ensure that contingency plans are in place in the case of technology failure.

Ensure adequate levels of internet security across the cluster.

Use data analysis, evaluation and reporting systems to maximum effect by ensuring that systems are
streamlined to maximise efficiency and avoid duplication.

Ensure that data collection systems, including SAM (school admissions) and Secure Data System
(CTFs, ATFs, etc.) are up to date, accurate and streamlined to maximise the efficiency of the data.

Complete and submit returns to the LA and DfE, including workforce returns and census returns.

Oversee the secure maintenance of pupil data records in line with Data Protection principles.
Capital Projects, Premises Management and Security

Plan, oversee and deliver significant and capital projects to enhance the provision and capacity of the
academies, including managing stakeholders and ensuring timely completion within budget.

Follow sound practices in estate management and grounds maintenance, taking responsibility for site
security, safety and cleaning.

Liaise with the property services provider to ensure that safe and cost-effective maintenance is
undertaken promptly to ensure the continuing availability of utilities, services and equipment.

Liaise with the property services provider to ensure that a robust strategic maintenance plan, property
plan and schedule for the servicing, testing and inspection of plant and equipment are in place.

Ensure that appropriate reporting, monitoring and control systems relating to the academies’ internal
building fabric and furniture, including the maintenance of the asset register.

Monitor, assess and review contractual obligations for outsourced school services.
Human Resources Management

Ensure compliance in all relevant HR policies and procedures, including Equal Opportunities.

Manage and ensure high quality HR provision within the cluster, including issuing new contracts, new
starter and leavers processes, absence management, HR queries, and DBS checks.
Job Description
Operations Manager
2

Accurately apply the Pay Policy and assist the Finance Manager with pay-related issues or queries.

Monitor the recruitment procedure to ensure that the Safer Recruitment Policy is adhered to.

Ensure that accurate personnel records and an up-to-date Single Central Record are maintained.

Support SLT with HR issues and case work, seeking and utilising specialist expertise as appropriate.

Manage the recruitment, performance management, appraisal, training and development of support
staff in line with the cluster’s policies and procedures.

Work closely with the NETAT team with regard to day-to-day issues and long term strategic plans and
provide information as and when required.

Monitor the relevant legal, regulatory and ethical requirements and the effect they have on the cluster.

Update, issue and monitor the implementation of policies and procedures, ensuring that they are
clearly understood and appropriately prioritised and providing support and guidance where necessary.

Evaluate the cluster’s strategic objectives and obtain information for workforce planning, identifying
the types of skills, knowledge, understanding and experience required and thinking creatively about
how to meet these requirements.
Purchasing and Income Generation

Achieve for the cluster the most competitive pricing for goods and services in compliance with current
and relevant procurement legislation and Trust policy.

Negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and service level agreements, to ensure that
services are delivered to a high quality and support the operation of the cluster.

Oversee the management of the letting of cluster premises to external organisations, within the
approved procedures, ensuring full utilisation of facilities and maximising income for the academy.

Identify suitable grants, submit compelling bids and identify other sources of additional funding.
Catering

Through leadership and development of the catering team, oversee the outstanding provision of
catering at the academies, demonstrating the highest standards of food quality, service and
professionalism and operating in accordance with the quality and cost criteria established by SLT.

Review the findings of staff, parent and pupil surveys, implementing change where necessary.
Other

Ensure compliance with the Funding Agreement and Academies Financial Handbook.

Work in collaboration with the NETAT team and counter-parts in other NET Academies.

Carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by the Executive Headteacher.
Job Description
Operations Manager
3