Halewood Centre for Learning

HALEWOOD CENTRE FOR LEARNING

SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER (ADMIN LEVEL 6)

PO 13-17

£37,555 - £41,083

REF: HC POST 40

Contents

1.Letter from the Human Resources Officer

2.Job Description

3.Person Specification

4.Conditions of Service

5. Information on Exempted Posts

6.Equal Opportunities and Diversity Strategy Leaflet is available to view on http://www.knowsley.gov.uk/resources/170982/equal_opp_diversity_strat.pdf

7.Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

Dear Applicant

POST OF SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER

Exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

Thank you for your enquiry about the post within Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Please find enclosed further details about the post and an application form for you to complete and return by the 06/03/09. Any potential applicant who wishes to find out more about Knowsley MBC can access our website at www.knowsley.gov.uk.

Interviews are likely to take place within four weeks of the closing date. If you have not heard by then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. If you wish your application to be acknowledged, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope with your completed form.

If due to a disability you require any assistance during the selection process please contact us in confidence, e.g. you may need a sign language interpreter, require an accessible interview room, or need help completing a written application [for example taped applications may be submitted by prior agreement] please contact the Recruitment and Employee Services Section on 0151 443 3509.

‘The Council is working jointly with the trade unions to implement a fair and equitable pay and grading structure in line with the 1997 Single Status Agreement. This will be achieved by reviewing every post within the Council through the job evaluation exercise which is currently being conducted. All posts are subject to the review and therefore advertised grades are provisional and will not be confirmed until the outcome of this exercise.

You should note that you are applying for posts within the authority on this basis.’

You should return your application to: Michael Wafer, Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, Human Resources and Development, PO Box 84, Ground Floor, Poplar House, Huyton, Knowsley, L36 9WU, or via email to:

I look forward to receiving your application and thank you for your interest in this post.

Yours sincerely

Michael Wafer

Senior Human Resources Officer

*This pack is available in large print - please ask.

JOB DESCRIPTION

MAIN PURPOSE
Strategic management responsibility for effective whole school administration and organisational support services. Responsible for all financial processes, specifically budget preparation and management. Responsible for human resources, facilities management including project management, health and safety and security. Line management responsibility and an active member of the school management/leadership team, deputising for SMT/SLT members as necessary and appropriate.
MAIN DUTIES
Administration
Responsible for the planning, development, design, organisations and monitoring of support services and whole school systems, procedures and policies.
Determine the need for and arrange provision, analysis and evaluation of data and detailed reports and information.
Strategic responsibility for the design and effective operation of all administrative and human resource procedures.
Development and ongoing monitoring of all management information systems.
Overall management responsibility for the commissioning and effective operation of an appropriate payroll system.
Responsible for the submission of all returns and relevant information, internal and external.
As a member of School Management/Leadership Team (SM/LT) take an active role in the strategic visioning, planning and decision making for the school.
Management of relevant SLAs/contracts in relation to provision of services and presentation of recommendations as a result of ongoing monitoring and evaluation of contracts to SMT/Governing Body.
Organisation
Strategic responsibility for the development and implementation of policies and procedures across the school.
Identify the need for and be responsible for securing appropriate licenses and insurance.
Responsible for devising marketing and promotion strategies for the school.
Interpret matters of policy, procedure and statute to ensure the school’s compliance and initiate appropriate action.
To lead the school through national and local guidelines, policy and statute etc. offering advice and guidance to the SM/LT and the Governing Body.
To manage and resolve complex telephone and face to face enquiries in accordance with school policies and procedures.
To ensure the organisation and provision of examination invigilation.
Responsible for the organisation of school trips, visits by the school nurse, photographer, linked schools, parents etc. including insurance and risk assessments.
To assist with pupil first aid/welfare duties, looking after sick pupils, liaising with parents/carers and/or staff etc.
Resources
Responsible for the strategic management of all financial planning and budgeting across the school, ensuring the effectiveness of administrative processes and compliance with financial regulations.
Identify the need for, select and manage resources including management of resource budget.
Responsible for leading the planning, expenditure, monitoring and evaluation of budgets across the school.
To lead the management of premises and associated income ensuring major building works and projects e.g. new developments including the development of work specifications and service contracts, are delivered in line with agreed timescales and costs.
Responsible for the management of ICT network.
Responsible for the establishment and maintenance of appropriate external links to secure continuous sponsorship / funding for the school and the preparation and submission of bids for financial grants.
Preparation of expenditure reports and estimates on development projects.
Responsible for the ongoing review of support staff structures.
Responsible for the negotiation of contracts for large scale purchases and bulk buying contracts in association with other schools as appropriate.
Management of Health and Safety in the school.
Support for the School
To offer financial training, advice and support to all budget holders and the Governing Body in accordance with financial regulations.
To contribute to the development of staff through INSET provision, CPD and staff induction.
Comply and ensure staff are aware of school policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, with staff reporting all concerns to the post holder as the Health and Safety Officer or the appropriate person.
Be aware of and support difference to help ensure everyone has equal access to the services of the school and feels valued, respecting their social, cultural, linguistic, religious and ethnic background.
Contribute to the school ethos, aims and development/improvement plan by building positive relationships and by taking a lead role in the development of the culture across the whole school involving all stakeholders.
Work as part of a team through effective leadership and management, appreciating and supporting the role of other people in the team.
Attend and participate in meetings as required.
Undertake personal development through training and other learning activities including, obtaining professional qualifications and performance management as required.
Be responsible for the relevant aspects of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Self Evaluation Form (SEF).
Actively involved in the coaching, mentoring and shadowing of colleagues from other schools, professions and authorities to develop and share best practice.
To represent the school or the job family of ‘Administrators’ on working groups, forums, committees etc. both locally and regionally as appropriate.
Line Management
Overall management responsibility for support staff including performance management, attendance, training and development.
Responsible for the creation and implementation of recruitment/induction/appraisal/training and mentoring for support staff.
Responsible for the effective communication with all support staff, holding regular team meetings with managed staff.
Represent support staff at relevant meetings.
Note / This is not a comprehensive list of all tasks which may be required of the postholder. It is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken, commensurate with the grade.

Personal Attributes

Communication & Influence
Selects the appropriate content and delivery style to communicate ideas, plans and decisions. Ensures communication delivers the right sense of urgency and importance. Speaks and writes in a way that results in effective action. Asks questions to check understanding of the message and understands the importance and benefit of two-way communication.
Team working
Builds trust and respect with individuals throughout the school, developing collaborative and consultative working relationships across schools. Communicates openly and interactively, listening carefully to others and valuing their opinion. Openly shares information and own expertise with others to enable them to achieve their goals.
Organisational Awareness
Keeps up to date with educational developments, analysing and interpreting how this impact on own area of responsibility. Uses this external awareness to see new and different possibilities, thinking laterally to develop creative and innovative ideas and practical solutions to meet the needs of the school. Regularly networks inside and outside the school to exchange ideas and information.
Adaptability
Contributes personally to the change process. Helps others to understand the need and reasons for the change. Effectively implements new ideas and methods to adapt working practices. Helps plan, develop, set up and monitor systems and processes to effect change. Challenges existing practices and conventional thinking.
Use of technology
Is able to use and understands the purpose of information communication technology (ICT) and is able to develop the use of technology within own workplace by utilising a variety of standard software available. Is able to manipulate data and extract information, which is then presented in an appropriate format. Has the ability to share skills and knowledge within the workplace and provides advice and guidance to others.
Professional Values and Practice
Demonstrates high expectations for all pupils.
Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with people, treat them consistently, with respect and consideration.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and carry out the role effectively, knowing when to seek help and advice.
Ability to improve your own practice through observations, evaluation and discussion with colleagues.
Experience & Knowledge
Several years experience of working in an office environment at a management level.
Knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice and an awareness of relevant legislation.
Appropriate knowledge of First Aid.
Basic awareness of inclusion, especially within a school setting.
Qualification & Training
Level 2 qualification in Numeracy/Maths and Literacy/English or equivalent qualification.
NVQ Level 4 or Degree or equivalent qualification or experience.
Diploma in School Business Management.
Requirement to complete Support Staff Induction Programme.
Requirement to complete Appointed Persons First Aid at Work training.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

POST TITLE / Senior Operations Manager / GRADE / Admin Level 6
DIRECTORATE / DCFS / SCHOOL / Halewood Community Centre for Learning
CRITERIA /

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

/ * M.O.A
Skills, knowledge, experience etc
1 / Experience of working in an office environment at a management level / A/I
2 / Knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice and an awareness of relevant legislation particularly in relation to Human Resources and Employment. / A/I
3 / Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and carry out the role effectively, knowing when to seek help and advice. / A/I
4 / Have experience of FMSIS/ financial regulations. / A/I
5 / Good knowledge of SIMS/ FMS. / A/I

Qualifications

6 / Have the CSBM or other related/equivalent qualification or experience / C
7 / Level 2 qualification in Numeracy/Maths and Literacy/English or equivalent qualification. / C
8 / NVQ LEVEL 4/ Degree or equivalent qualification or experience.
Diploma in School Business Management / C/A I
Health and safety
9 / Ability to ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out taking into account employees capabilities
Ability to use equipment as instructed and trained / A
Personal attributes and circumstances
10 / Ability to build and maintain successful relationships with people, treat them with respect and consideration. / A/I

*METHOD OF ASSESSMENT (*M.O.A)

A = APPLICATION FORMC = CERTIFICATEE = EXERCISEI = INTERVIEW

Where the post involves working with children, in addition to a candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the post, the interview will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including:

Motivation to work with children and young people
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

HALEWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR LEARNING

Post

/ Senior Operations Manager

Grade

/ Admin Level 6 PO 13-17

General

/ The conditions in the National Joint Council for Local Authority Services (Green Book) will apply.

Hours of Work

/ 36 hours per week.

Salary

/ £37,555 to £41,083

Annual Leave

Basic Leave is 27 days, rising to a maximum of 33 days with 10 years continuous Knowsley service. (pro-rata for part time)

Medical

/ The successful applicant will be required to complete a medical questionnaire and may also be required to undergo a medical examination.

Pension

/ You are automatically entered into the Local Government Pension Scheme, unless you elect not to join. Employees with contracts of employment of less than three months are not eligible to join the scheme. Contributions rates are dependant on salary as per the contribution rates shown below.

Politically Restricted Post

/ This post is considered to be politically sensitive and falls under the terms and conditions of Politically Restricted Posts

Disclosure

/ The post is subject to receipt of satisfactory disclosure. Declaration of a criminal record on offer of appointment will not necessarily be a bar to employment. You must ensure that you complete Section 8 of the application form. If you fail to do so your application will not be considered.

Contribution Rates

With effect from 1 April 2008, contribution rates will be on a sliding scale based upon a scheme member’s full time annual pensionable pay. Part time employees’ percentage contribution rates will be based upon the pro rata full time pensionable pay.

From 1 April 2009, the new contribution rates will be as follows:

TABLE 1

Band / Pensionable Pay range / Contribution Rate
1 / £0 - £12,600 / 5.5%
2 / £12,600.01 - £14,700 / 5.8%
3 / £14,700.01 - £18,900 / 5.9%
4 / £18,900.01 - £31,500 / 6.5%
5 / £31,500.01 - £42,000 / 6.8%
6 / £42,000.01 - £78,700 / 7.2%
7 / More than £78,700 / 7.5%

From 1 April 2008 for those employees who were paying 5%, the changes to contribution rates are as follows;

TABLE 2

Year Commencing / Contribution rate
1 April 2008 / 5.25%
1 April 2009 / 5.5%
1 April 2010 / 6.5%

EXEMPTED POSTS - CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU DISCLOSURE

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome applications from diverse candidates.

Certain posts are subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check due to the nature of the work being undertaken, therefore all candidates who are successful at interview to one of these posts will be asked to complete an application form for a Disclosure check before the appointment is confirmed.

Whilst the Council supports the rehabilitation of ex-offenders it is obliged in the recruitment of all employees to utilise an Exemption Order of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 in order to ensure safe recruitment to posts where working with children, vulnerable adults or other positions of trust are involved. These are referred to as Regulated Posts.

If you apply for a post that is Regulated and subject to a disclosure you will be advised in the recruitment Job pack.

If applicable you are required to disclose convictions on the recruitment Application Form under Section 8. Unless the nature of the work demands it, you will not be asked to disclose convictions that are `spent` under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

If you are successful at interview you will be asked to complete an application form for a Disclosure check before the appointment is confirmed. Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council is registered with the Criminal Records Bureau to request Standard and Enhanced Disclosures on cautions, reprimands and final warnings, as well as convictions. We will process the application and pay the charge to the Criminal Records Bureau.

Applicants should be aware that having a conviction or a record of some type of unacceptable behaviour would not necessarily bar you from employment in Regulated Posts, as any decision to employ will be considered on the individual circumstances of each case.

If you are in doubt about what you should declare you can ask advice from a member of the Human Resources and Development Department on 0151 443 3509.

Further information about the Criminal Records Bureau, including how information is assessed in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 can be found on their website:

http://www.disclosure.gov.uk/index.asp?fuseaction=applying

SAFEGUARDING

Motivation to work with children and young people
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline