Office Manager - Primary School - Southend-on-Sea

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

Are you an experienced administrator who enjoys being the person who keeps an office organised, efficient and running smoothly? A well-established Primary School in Southend-on-Sea is looking for a capable and approachable Office Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day administration of its busy school office.

This is a varied position for someone who can manage competing priorities, communicate confidently with parents and staff and take ownership of administrative processes. The successful candidate will become an important member of the school's support team and will contribute directly to the smooth running of the school.

• Office Manager Role

• Full-time, permanent position

• Southend-on-Sea

• As soon as possible start

• Managing the day-to-day operation of the school office

• Supporting administrative processes across the school

• Liaising with parents, staff and external contacts

• Maintaining accurate records and systems

• Supporting and coordinating office administration

• Paid to scale

The Office Manager will oversee the daily running of the school's administrative office. You will ensure that enquiries are dealt with promptly, records are maintained accurately and important administrative deadlines are met.

As one of the main points of contact for the school, you will regularly communicate with parents and carers. This could include answering questions about school procedures, attendance, events, appointments or general enquiries. You will need to be friendly and approachable while maintaining professional boundaries.

You will also provide administrative support to teachers, senior leaders and other members of staff. This may include preparing documents, organising meetings, maintaining records, processing correspondence and assisting with school events.

A key part of the role will be ensuring that school systems remain accurate and organised. You will update databases, maintain filing systems and ensure relevant information is available to the staff who need it.

The school is looking for someone who can work independently and use their initiative. The office can become particularly busy at certain points of the school day, so you will need to remain calm, prioritise effectively and deal with urgent matters without losing sight of other responsibilities.

Office Manager - School Information

This Primary School in Southend-on-Sea is committed to providing a safe, supportive and stimulating environment in which children can learn and thrive.

The school has a strong focus on pupil wellbeing, positive relationships and high expectations. Staff work together to ensure that children receive the support they need and that families have a positive experience when communicating with the school.

The school office plays an important role in maintaining these relationships. The successful Office Manager will be a visible and approachable member of the school community and will need to communicate effectively with children, parents, staff and visitors.

The school has a collaborative working culture. Teachers, pastoral staff, administrators and senior leaders work closely together, and the Office Manager will need to be comfortable supporting different teams.

The successful candidate will also be expected to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. You may have access to pupil, family and staff information, so accuracy and discretion are essential.

This is a position where no two days are necessarily the same. Someone who enjoys variety, problem-solving and working as part of a close-knit school team will be well suited to the role.

Office Manager - Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operation of the school office.

• Manage administrative priorities and deadlines.

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

• Answer telephone calls and respond to emails.

• Deal with general enquiries promptly and appropriately.

• Communicate with parents and carers.

• Welcome visitors and follow school visitor procedures.

• Maintain accurate pupil records.

• Update school databases and information systems.

• Manage electronic and paper filing systems.

• Prepare letters, documents and correspondence.

• Support senior leaders with administrative tasks.

• Organise meetings, appointments and relevant documentation.

• Support attendance and admissions administration where required.

• Assist with school events and activities.

• Liaise with external organisations and service providers.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Support other members of the administration team.

• Identify ways to improve administrative systems.

• Ensure school policies and procedures are followed.

Office Manager - Experience and Requirements

• Previous administrative experience is essential.

• Previous experience within a school or education environment is desirable.

• Experience coordinating or supervising office administration would be advantageous.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

• Experience using databases or management information systems.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Strong organisation and time-management skills.

• Ability to prioritise competing demands.

• Professional and approachable manner.

• Ability to communicate confidently with parents and staff.

• Good problem-solving skills.

• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a wider team.

• Calm approach when dealing with busy periods.

• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to complete all relevant DBS, safeguarding and pre-employment checks.

Application

To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.