Office Manager - Secondary School - Brighton

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Paid to scale

A well-established Secondary School in Brighton is seeking an experienced and highly organised Office Manager to oversee the smooth running of its busy administrative office. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity for someone who is confident coordinating administrative processes, supporting colleagues and providing an excellent service to students, parents and visitors.

The Office Manager will be an important point of contact within the school and will need to combine strong organisation with a friendly and professional manner. You will be trusted to manage day-to-day administrative priorities while working closely with senior leaders and other members of the support team.

This role would suit an experienced Office Manager, Senior Administrator or School Administrator who is ready to take on a position with greater responsibility.

Office Manager Role

• Full-time, permanent Office Manager.

• Brighton.

• As soon as possible start.

• Managing the daily administration function.

• Supporting senior leaders and school staff.

• Coordinating office processes and priorities.

• Managing communication with parents and visitors.

• Maintaining accurate records and databases.

• Supporting meetings, events and school operations.

• Assisting with resources, suppliers and general office management.

You will be expected to take ownership of the administrative function while remaining approachable and willing to support colleagues when required.

School Information

This is a well-established Secondary School in Brighton with a strong commitment to academic achievement, student wellbeing and the wider development of young people.

The school provides a broad curriculum and aims to create an environment where students are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and a positive attitude towards learning.

Staff work collaboratively and there is a clear understanding that every member of the school community has a role to play in maintaining high standards.

The administration office is central to the school's day-to-day operation. It provides an important link between senior leaders, teaching staff, students, parents, visitors and external organisations.

The successful Office Manager will therefore have an opportunity to make a genuine contribution to the effectiveness of the school while developing strong professional relationships across the organisation.

Administration Function

The Office Manager will coordinate the daily activities of the school office and help ensure that administrative systems operate efficiently.

The successful candidate will need to be comfortable handling confidential information, managing competing deadlines and responding appropriately when unexpected issues arise.

You will also be expected to identify opportunities to improve processes and make practical suggestions that could make the administration function more efficient.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of the school office.

• Coordinate administrative tasks and priorities.

• Provide professional administrative support to senior leaders.

• Act as a key point of contact for parents and visitors.

• Answer telephone calls and respond to enquiries.

• Manage general administrative emails.

• Welcome visitors professionally.

• Ensure visitor procedures are followed.

• Maintain accurate student and administrative records.

• Update databases and information systems.

• Maintain organised electronic and paper filing systems.

• Prepare letters, reports, forms and other documentation.

• Support staff with administrative requirements.

• Assist with meetings and appointment arrangements.

• Coordinate administrative arrangements for school events.

• Support parents' evenings and other school activities.

• Liaise with suppliers and external organisations.

• Assist with ordering stationery and office supplies.

• Monitor office stock and resources.

• Support basic finance and purchasing administration where required.

• Assist with invoices, orders and related documentation.

• Support attendance and student administration when necessary.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Prepare spreadsheets and administrative reports.

• Ensure information is entered accurately.

• Support senior staff with administrative projects.

• Help ensure deadlines are met.

• Review office processes and suggest improvements.

• Support other administrative staff where appropriate.

• Maintain a professional and welcoming office environment.

• Follow school policies and procedures.

• Escalate concerns appropriately.

• Contribute positively to the wider school community.

Experience and Requirements

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in office management, senior administration or school administration.

Experience within a secondary school would be particularly useful, although candidates with strong administrative backgrounds in other professional environments will also be considered.

The role requires someone who is comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions within their remit.

You should demonstrate:

• Previous experience in office management or senior administration.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Strong written and verbal communication.

• Confidence dealing with parents and visitors.

• Experience using Microsoft Office.

• Experience using databases and administrative systems.

• Strong record-keeping skills.

• Ability to manage confidential information.

• Ability to prioritise competing demands.

• Excellent problem-solving skills.

• Professional telephone and email manner.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Calm approach under pressure.

• Flexible and proactive attitude.

• Reliability and professionalism.

• Commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing.

The school is particularly keen to appoint someone who is solutions-focused and willing to take ownership of their responsibilities.

Professional Standards

The Office Manager will be expected to set a professional standard within the administration office. You will regularly interact with parents, students, staff, visitors and external organisations, so communication must always be courteous, clear and appropriate.

You will also be expected to understand when matters need to be escalated to senior colleagues and when they can be resolved independently.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is an important responsibility for every member of the school community. The successful candidate will be expected to follow all safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection procedures.

The role will be subject to the appropriate pre-employment and safeguarding checks.

Application

If you are an experienced administrator or Office Manager looking for a full-time, permanent opportunity within a well-established Secondary School in Brighton, this is an excellent opportunity to join a professional and supportive environment.

Please send your application for this Office Manager position through as soon as possible.