Office Manager

A brand-new role for our school - be the first Office Manager of Westminster Academy!

About the role

Westminster Academy has a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional candidate to join us as the very first Office Manager at our school. To date, our PA to the Principal has been undertaking all duties associated with both the PA role and that of an Office Manager. With her support, we agree it’s time to make the Office Manager position a substantive post in its own right. Line managing our front office staff and reporting to our School Business Director, you will take pride in managing our busy school office. You’ll put clear and concise processes and procedures in place, ensuring that all stakeholders have a first-class experience when contacting or visiting the school.

Our ideal Office Manager will be a highly organised, detail-oriented professional with excellent communication skills. You will ensure the smooth running of our school’s daily operations and thrive in a busy, varied environment. You’ll have a friendly and approachable demeanour with a professional attitude and instil this in those around you.

As this is the first role of this nature, we can be flexible on the working basis. We can offer the role as five days per week (these must be full days) - either all year-round or term time only + four weeks. We recognise that some candidates may have commitments that require a degree of flexibility, hence the options we are offering. Please state your preferred working pattern in your application.

Key responsibilities:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the school office
• Work with the Receptionist to greet visitors and handle incoming calls with professionalism
• Oversee school records, schedules, and communications
• Coordinate school events, meetings, and appointments
• Provide administrative support to school leadership, supporting the PA to Principal
• Ensure smooth communication between parents, staff, and students
• Manage supplies and ensure the office is well-stocked and organised
• Assist with budgeting, invoicing, and other financial tasks
• Line management for the office team, including receptionist and attendance officer

About you:

• Previous office management or administrative experience (preferably in a school or education setting)
• Strong organisational and multitasking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, etc.)
• Friendly and approachable demeanour with a professional attitude
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

Top reasons to work at Westminster Academy

• A stand-alone academy that has the autonomy and uniqueness to make its own decisions and deliver the education needed for its students
• The only comprehensive secondary London school to offer the innovative IB curriculum - world-class learners
• Supportive staff body that works collaboratively
• CPD (little and often) - a commitment to professional learning
• 'Planning days as part of INSET that are dedicated for staff to use for planning purposes
• Active clubs for staff - Harbour club, staff football and staff events and gym membership
• Loan for season travel tickets and bicycle scheme
• Excellent modern building and facilities
• End-of-year staff incentives linked to attendance
• A supportive and experienced Senior Leadership Team

Interested? For further details and to download an application form, please see our website. Please send your completed application form to: hrteam@westminsteracademy.org.uk 

Closing date: Midnight on Monday, 13th January 2025.

Interviews will be held before the end of January.

Based on the quantity and quality of applications, we may interview candidates before the closing date, so early application is advised. The Academy reserves the right to interview and appoint before the advertised closing date. The advert may be closed at any time.

We are committed to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. As such, there may be additional safeguarding requirements and responsibilities depending on the nature of the role advertised and the extent to which the role will involve contact with children. We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding.

A professional social media check may take place to reduce risks to reputation, confidentiality breach and data security. The check identifies a candidate's online presence to look for negative behaviours such as bullying, racism, nudity and excessive bad language.

The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020, as the work brings employees into contact with children who are regarded by the Act as a vulnerable group. Applicants for any role at Westminster Academy must disclose all spent and unspent convictions.

Westminster Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. There shall be no discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

We are inclusive and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.