School Office Manager & Administrative Team Lead

Location: Redbridge, East/Outer London

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent (All-Year-Round or Term-Time + 3 Weeks)

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP

A prominent, high-achieving secondary school and Sixth Form in the London Borough of Redbridge is seeking an organized, decisive, and personable School Office Manager & Administrative Team Lead to step in immediately and drive the school’s main administrative hub. This is an essential leadership role for a seasoned administrative manager, senior executive assistant, or experienced school office coordinator who excels at streamlining office workflows, line-managing front-of-house staff, and delivering exceptional customer service to parents, visitors, and school leadership.

About the Role

As the School Office Manager, you will act as the operational engine of the school, ensuring front-of-house operations, main reception services, internal communications, and administrative support run seamlessly every day. Reporting directly to the School Business Manager (SBM) and Headteacher, you will manage a dedicated team of administrative assistants, oversee pupil data administration, coordinate whole-school events, and maintain immaculate communication channels across the school community.

• Environment: A welcoming, well-resourced Outer London secondary school recognized for academic excellence, efficient operational management, and a supportive leadership framework

• Culture: A fast-paced, collaborative administrative hub where professional efficiency, warm hospitality, proactive leadership, and student-centered support are at the forefront

Key Responsibilities

• Administrative Leadership & Line Management: Supervise and direct the day-to-day work of the office team and receptionists, setting shift patterns, conducting performance reviews, and fostering a culture of high performance and continuous professional development.

• School Communications & Front of House: Oversee front-of-house operations to ensure a welcoming, secure entrance; manage whole-school communications including newsletters, parent mailings, digital platforms, and main telephone systems.

• MIS & Data Management: Maintain and audit student records using the school’s Management Information System (SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom), managing admissions data, census returns, secondary transfer processes, and attendance administration.

• Operational & Event Support: Coordinate administrative logistics for key school milestones, including parent evenings, open days, school photography sessions, vaccination clinics, and staff induction schedules.

• Office Systems & Procurement: Oversee office supplies procurement, manage central filing systems, handle confidential correspondence for the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and support compliance with GDPR and statutory safeguarding protocols.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Office Manager, Senior Administrator, Executive Assistant, or Business Support Lead, ideally within an educational setting or complex public sector organization.

• Outstanding leadership and line-management capabilities with a track record of developing effective, cohesive administrative teams.

• High proficiency in school Management Information Systems (e.g., Arbor, SIMS, Bromcom) alongside advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with diplomatic interpersonal skills to engage effectively with parents, staff, students, and external visitors.

• Superior organizational, multitasking, and de-escalation skills, with the ability to maintain composure, discretion, and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Support Staff Scale (commensurate with leadership experience and administrative qualifications).

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), generous holiday allowance, structured continuous professional development (CPD), and access to employee assistance and health schemes.

How to Apply

If you are a proactive, organized administrative leader available for an immediate / ASAP start at a thriving secondary school in Redbridge, we invite you to apply. Please submit your application and CV as soon as possible for consideration.