Operations Manager

Reporting to the Director of Estates, you will lead the Operations department, a soft facilities management team that supports the Group's day-to-day operations. You will line manage the Head of Housekeeping, Catering Manager, Transport Manager, Senior Receptionist and Lead Porter. Working closely with the hard facilities management team, you will oversee catering contracts with outsourced partners, manage the joint bus service, supervise reception and porter teams, and coordinate operational activities including helpdesk ticketing, move requests, parking and waste management.

Operations Manager - Key Responsibilities:

- Line manage and develop the Head of Housekeeping, Transport Manager, Senior Receptionist and team of Porters

- Manage catering contracts and kitchen equipment standards in partnership with the Financial Controller

- Oversee the joint bus service contract and relationships with external partners

- Work with the Estates team on the helpdesk ticketing system and operational activities

- Ensure risk management and service level compliance across all soft facilities functions

Relevant experience in soft facilities management, including risk management and contract management

- Qualified to degree level or equivalent work experience

- Proven team management and leadership experience

- Positive, flexible and can-do attitude with excellent customer service and communication skills

- Strong finance, IT and administrative skills with attention to detail

- Commitment to safeguarding, equity, diversity and inclusion

The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys school, it will become co-educational from September 2026.

Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

You'll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays

- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

- Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme

- Employee Assistance Programme

- Private healthcare insurance

- We may be able to offer flexible working from home

- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes

- Free lunches during term time

- Cycle to work scheme

- Christmas closure days

- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)

- There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff

- We offer free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff

- We offer a range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses