Office Manager | Reading

The Opportunity Reading is a major hub for technology and innovation, and our school reflects that same drive for excellence and efficiency. We are seeking a highly organized, professional, and proactive Office Manager to lead our administrative operations. As the heart of the school's support infrastructure, you will ensure that the administrative team functions at its best, providing a seamless service to students, staff, and parents alike. This is a vital leadership role for someone who excels at managing people and processes in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Administrative Team The administrative team is the central engine of the school, handling everything from daily communications to complex event logistics. You will lead a dedicated group of receptionists and administrators, fostering a culture of high standards and mutual support. You will join a professional environment where the Senior Leadership Team views the office as a critical partner in the school’s success. We pride ourselves on a collaborative atmosphere where every team member is valued. We provide a modern office space, access to the latest school management software, and a commitment to your professional growth as a middle leader within the support staff framework. Main Duties and Responsibilities As the Office Manager, you will be responsible for the strategic and daily oversight of the school office. Your responsibilities will include: Team Leadership: Managing and motivating the administrative staff, including conducting appraisals, coordinating shift patterns, and identifying training needs to ensure a high-performing team. Operational Oversight: Streamlining office procedures and workflows to ensure that all administrative tasks—from filing and data entry to parent communications—are completed accurately and on time. Communications Management: Overseeing the school’s internal and external communications, ensuring the school’s brand and professional tone are maintained across newsletters, the website, and social media. Human Resources Support: Assisting with the administrative aspects of recruitment, including managing applications, coordinating interview schedules, and maintaining the Single Central Record (SCR) in line with safeguarding regulations. Financial Administration: Working closely with the Finance Manager to handle petty cash, process orders, and manage the administrative elements of school trips and events. Event Coordination: Taking a lead role in the logistical planning of key school events such as Open Evenings, Parents' Evenings, and prize-giving ceremonies. Data Protection: Acting as a point of contact for GDPR compliance within the office, ensuring that all student and staff records are handled with the highest levels of confidentiality and security. Person Specification The successful candidate will be a poised and authoritative professional with a track record of effective team management. You should possess: Administrative Leadership: Proven experience in an office management or senior administrative role, ideally within an educational or high-volume public sector setting. People Management: The ability to lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team, handling challenging situations with diplomacy and fairness. Communication Excellence: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to draft professional correspondence and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. ICT Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and significant experience using school Management Information Systems (such as SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom). Organization and Resilience: The ability to prioritize a complex workload under pressure, remaining calm and methodical during busy periods of the school year. Commitment to Safeguarding: A thorough understanding of the importance of safeguarding and a commitment to maintaining rigorous administrative checks and site security. Why Join Our School? Working as an Office Manager in Reading offers a rewarding career within a thriving and well-connected educational community. Benefits include: Professional Investment: Access to specialized leadership training for school support staff and opportunities to network with other office managers across the region. A Key Leadership Role: Join a team where your contributions are recognized as essential to the smooth running and reputation of the school. Stability and Benefits: A permanent position with a consistent schedule and access to a competitive local government pension scheme. Location: Benefit from working in a vibrant town with excellent transport links and a wealth of local amenities. How to Apply To apply for this Office Manager position in Reading, please submit your CV.