Secondary Operations & Business Manager

Job Advert

(Y) Our Opportunity

We are looking for a dedicated Secondary Operations & Business Manager who brings energy, heart, and purpose to our team at Chichester High School, someone ready to lead non-teaching operations and empower our school community every single day.

In our Trust, an Operations & Business Manager is far more than an administrator; you are a strategic leader and key architect in driving operational excellence, ensuring our resources directly support outstanding learning outcomes. We are seeking an empathetic, proactive leader who can manage key functions across estates, facilities, finance, and people operations, creating an environment where both staff and pupils thrive.

Whether you have extensive experience managing school operations and finances, a background in MAT business management, or proven success in leading complex operational teams, your talent will be valued here. In our community, non-teaching leaders are vital partners in driving educational standards, maintaining high compliance, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.

Together, let’s optimize our resources, maintain vibrant and safe environments, and ensure every child gets their chance to shine.

The ideal Secondary Operations & Business

Manager will be someone who

• Serves as a trusted strategic advisor to the Headteacher, managing academy budgets, forecasting, and financial compliance in line with the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Leads and develops non-teaching teams including Premises and Administration, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and accountability.
• Oversees estates, facilities, and health & safety compliance to ensure a safe, secure, and inspiring learning environment.
• Manages local HR and People operations across the employee lifecycle, ensuring smooth payroll reconciliation, accurate MIS data, and robust Single Central Record (SCR) compliance.
• Drives operational efficiency, procurement value, and community engagement, including marketing and premises lettings.
• Is adaptable, resilient, and deeply committed to contributing to the wider life and strategic vision of the school and Trust.

Great Support

Starts with a Great Community

Your Benefits

We believe that in education, people matter most. Investing in your wellbeing and professional growth isn't just a perk, it’s our priority. As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your career and your lifestyle:

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Exceptional Development

Access high-quality leadership development, professional qualifications, and training opportunities tailored to your role.

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Flexible & Hybrid Working

Opportunities for hybrid working and flexible practices to help you balance your career with personal commitments.

• 24/7

Confidential Counselling

Free, round-the-clock support for you and your eligible immediate family members.

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Family-Friendly Policies

Dedicated leave policies and flexible working options to support you through every stage of life.

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Supportive Environment

Work within a forward-thinking culture that actively champions your work-life balance and individual growth.

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Blue Light Card Access

Eligible to apply for the UK’s premier discount scheme, unlocking savings across shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment.

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Cycle to Work Scheme

Spread the cost of a new bike and equipment for a healthier, more affordable commute.

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Generous Pension

Secure your long-term future with substantial employer pension contributions.

About Chichester High School

At Chichester High School, we are committed to providing an inclusive, high-quality education where every student is challenged and supported to achieve their full potential. As a vibrant secondary school within Kemnal Academies Trust, our dedicated staff work collaboratively to cultivate ambition, respect, and academic excellence across our entire school community.

To discover what makes Chichester High School special, visit our website or contact us to arrange a conversation about the role.

About Kemnal Academies Trust

Kemnal Academies Trust is a group of schools with ambition for every child and pride in the communities we serve. We provide a broad and rich education that opens doors. Working together, we give every pupil the support and the skills they need to build a life of purpose, agency, and contribution.

Our ultimate aim is to ensure we drive educational standards through the provision of outstanding teaching, leadership, and learning for all. Our leaders focus on pupil progress and attainment, regularly sharing knowledge, insight, and experience across our family of schools. We believe passionately in the power of collaborative working and actively promote school-to-school support because when we work together, every child benefits.

A Culture of Belonging

Equity, Inclusion & Diversity

Belonging is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcomed and respected, where expectations are high, and genuine support is provided. Here, colleagues are trusted to lead, contribute, and grow in alignment with our mission.

At Kemnal Academies Trust, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those looking for full-time, part-time, or flexible arrangements as we know diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.

Application Details & Next Steps

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Key Requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant professional qualification in School Business Management (or equivalent) and possess strong financial and operational leadership experience. A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle are required for travel across Trust sites.

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Interview Dates

Interview dates for this role are listed in the key vacancy details above; please ensure you hold this date in your diary when applying. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications, so early submission is encouraged.

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Be Who You Are

Interview & Workplace Adjustments Should you be selected and invited to interview, please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate fully. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments within both the recruitment process and the workplace to support every candidate.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Kemnal Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all colleagues to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to statutory safer recruitment checks prior to appointment. These include, but are not limited to, an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check, online searches (in line with KCSIE guidelines), identity and right-to-work verification, reference checks, relevant qualification/prohibition checks, and overseas checks where applicable.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended), certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed.