Cover Manager – Required ASAP

Salary: MNS Range 7

Are you an organised, people-focused professional who enjoys solving problems, building positive relationships and making a real difference every day?

The Maplesden Noakes School is seeking an exceptional Cover Manager to play a pivotal role in the smooth running of our busy and successful school. This is a highly visible role at the heart of school life, working closely with teaching and support staff to ensure that students continue to receive an excellent education when staff are absent.

No two days are the same. We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys thinking creatively to overcome challenges and can build strong working relationships across the school community.

We are more interested in finding the right person than someone with direct Cover Manager experience. If you are highly organised, confident using IT systems, enjoys working with people, has a positive, can-do approach to solving problems together with a great sense of humour, we would love to hear from you.

As our Cover Manager, you will:

• Coordinate and manage daily staff cover arrangements across the school
• Lead and line manage our team of Cover Supervisors
• Build positive relationships with teaching and support staff, ensuring effective communication throughout the day
• Liaise with supply agencies and manage bookings, timesheets and invoices
• Support safeguarding and induction processes for supply staff
• Work alongside the Data & Exams Manager to coordinate rooming arrangements during examination periods.
• Develop efficient and effective cover plans, responding calmly to changing priorities
• Contribute to the wider operational success of the school

What we are looking for:

We are looking for someone who:
• Has excellent organisational and planning skills
• Builds strong and positive relationships with colleagues at all levels
• Is confident using IT systems and can quickly learn new software
• Enjoys problem-solving and thinking creatively when faced with challenges
• Remains calm, professional and adaptable under pressure
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Can lead, motivate and support others effectively
• Demonstrates professionalism, discretion and a commitment to safeguarding

Experience of organising complex schedules, rotas or timetables would be beneficial. Previous experience of working in a school environment or with a school MIS is advantageous but not essential as training will be provided for the right candidate.

The role is structured to ensure cover arrangements are fully prepared before the school day begins. As such, the start time is 7am. Finishing time is 1pm, hence hours are 30 per week, Monday to Friday, term time only.

Salary: Currently £28,261.00 - £31,994.00 per annum – full time equivalent. As this position is term time only and part time, the actual salary equates to £19,884.22 - £22,510.73 per annum. Please note that salary reviews are currently taking place and as such the salary range quoted above is subject to an increase.

Further details about the role and the application form are available to view on our website.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and welcoming school community where your work will have a direct impact every day.

We are committed to investing in our staff and seek to provide opportunities for professional development. We are also dedicated to supporting career progression opportunities, should they arise.

The school ensures that there is the right work-home balance to support the wellbeing of all staff. We are dedicated to providing outstanding training and development. Other benefits include, but are not limited to, wellbeing afternoons, free annual flu vaccinations, long service celebrations, bespoke CPD and a staff rewards system.

Alongside your salary the school currently contributes 20.5% (currently £4,076.27 - £4,614.70 per annum) towards you being a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Applications should be made by completing the application form on our website and returning it to Heidi Lishman, Senior HR Advisor at The Maplesden Noakes School, Buckland Road, Maidstone, ME16 0TJ via e-mail hr@maplesden.kent.sch.uk

Closing date for applications is Monday 21st September 2026 (8 am). This date may be brought forward in the event that suitable candidates are found earlier. Early applications are therefore recommended.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE – WE ARE LOOKING TO FILL THIS VACANCY BY DIRECT APPLICATION ONLY

Maplesden Noakes School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such, this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check.