Academy Operations Manager

Do you want to play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth, efficient and compliant running of Oxclose Community Academy.

As Academy Operations Manager, you will lead the administrative, financial, estates, catering and operational functions of the school. Working closely with the Headteacher, Site Team and Trust Shared Services, you will help ensure the academy runs safely, sustainably and effectively. This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, from overseeing budgets and compliance to supporting staff, managing events and ensuring our facilities and systems are of a high standard.

We are looking for a proactive, forward-thinking professional who brings strong organisational, leadership and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will be able to observe our current operational practices, quickly understand how the academy works, and identify opportunities to streamline, modernise or optimise ways of working where needed. You will be ambitious for the academy, confident in making improvements, and committed to high-quality service for students, staff and families, underpinned by excellent communication and a strong safeguarding ethos.

To support academy operations, we would require the successful candidate to work the following hours:

• Monday:  8am – 4pm
• Tuesday:  8am – 4pm
• Wednesday:  8am – 5pm (to attend Senior Leadership Team meetings)
• Thursday: 8:30am – 4pm
• Friday: 8am – 3.30pm

Oxclose Community Academy, a member of Laidlaw Schools Trust, is a highly inclusive and ambitious secondary school with a strong reputation for academic achievement and personal development. We provide a broad, aspirational curriculum supported by excellent pastoral care and enrichment opportunities. Our strong community links and commitment to diversity ensure every student feels valued, safe, and empowered to succeed.

Laidlaw Schools Trust is leading the way in redefining education. We are committed to empowering every child to succeed and every colleague to thrive. Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Every student and teacher receives an iPad, unlocking new ways to teach, learn, and collaborate. This cutting-edge approach ensures our classrooms are dynamic, inclusive, and future-focused, giving you the tools to deliver outstanding education and inspire creativity.

By joining Laidlaw Schools Trust, you become part of a community that values ambition, bravery, and curiosity. We invest in your professional development through clear reward and development pathways, helping you excel and gain skills beyond those offered by other organisations.

At Laidlaw Schools Trust we appreciate the amazing work that our people do every day and like to reward our staff through benefits that are mentally, physically and financially rewarding.

To see the full job description and person specification for this role please refer to this link: https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/Academy_Operations_Manager/292058

To apply, complete our online application form via this link: https://www.northeastjobs.org.uk/job/Academy_Operations_Manager/292058

If you require assistance with your application, please contact recruitment@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk

Closing Date for applications: Wednesday 12th March 2026, 12pm

Interviews are expected to take place: Week Beginning 30th March, 2026.

We are an equal opportunities employer strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their commitment to children’s safeguarding. All successful appointments will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and a range of other pre-employment recruitment checks.

For shortlisted candidates, we will conduct an online search as part of our screening.