Operations Manager – Autism Specialist School
Location: Newham, East London
Setting: Specialist Autism School
Contract: Full-time
Start Date: ASAP
Are you an experienced school Operations Manager who can keep a busy specialist setting running safely, efficiently and effectively?
Parker Smith Inclusion is working with an autism specialist school in Newham that is looking for an organised, proactive and highly capable Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operational running of the school.
This is a key leadership role, supporting the Headteacher to ensure the school is a safe, welcoming and well-managed environment for pupils, staff, families and visitors.
You will oversee a range of essential operational functions, including administration, premises management, health and safety, HR processes and the management of support staff. You will need to be confident managing competing priorities, maintaining high standards and ensuring that essential systems and procedures are consistently followed.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the effective day-to-day running of school operations and administrative systems.
- Manage and support administration, premises and wider non-teaching support staff.
- Ensure the school site is safe, clean, secure and well maintained.
- Coordinate planned maintenance, repairs and external contractors.
- Oversee health and safety procedures, risk assessments, fire safety and statutory checks.
- Maintain accurate school records, pupil data and management information systems.
- Support HR administration, including staff absence, recruitment processes, induction and personnel records.
- Ensure safeguarding administration and the Single Central Record are accurately maintained.
- Monitor operational budgets, resources and procurement to ensure value for money.
- Coordinate health and safety audits, premises development plans and follow-up actions.
- Work closely with the Headteacher and central Trust teams to improve operational efficiency.
- Ensure front-of-house services and communication with parents, professionals and visitors are welcoming and professional.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is experienced, highly organised and confident taking ownership of operational responsibilities.
You will ideally have:
- Previous experience in school operations, business management, premises management or a similar leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of school administration and operational systems.
- Experience managing staff and coordinating external contractors.
- A good understanding of health and safety, compliance and risk management.
- Experience supporting HR processes and maintaining confidential records.
- Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to prioritise effectively and remain calm in a busy environment.
- A proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing solutions.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
Experience working within a special school, autism provision or SEND environment would be advantageous, as would an understanding of the importance of maintaining a safe, structured and supportive environment for autistic pupils.
Why This Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to take on a pivotal role within a specialist education setting, ensuring that the systems, facilities and support teams behind the scenes allow teaching staff to focus on what matters most: the pupils.
The successful candidate will be a trusted operational lead who can work collaboratively with senior leadership, take initiative and contribute to the ongoing development of the school.
Why Parker Smith Inclusion?
At Parker Smith Inclusion, we specialise exclusively in SEND education. We work closely with schools across London to connect them with professionals who understand the unique demands of specialist settings.
If you are an experienced Operations Manager looking for a rewarding opportunity within specialist education, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today to speak with Parker Smith Inclusion about this opportunity