Lake Forest Schools is seeking a Business Operations Manager starting July 1, 2026.
Description
The Business Operations Manager exercises independent judgement to provide strategic leadership, daily oversight, and fiscal management for the district's non-instructional support services. This role is responsible for ensuring that transportation, food services, ancillary auxiliary programs (Little Scouts), and district asset lifecycles operate safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with federal, state, and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regulations.
Position Summary
* Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000 annually (FLSA Exempt)
* Work Year: 12 Month/260 Days
* Insurance - Medical, dental, and vision options provided
* Retirement - Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
* Leaves: Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement leave provided
* Category - Non-Union Support Staff
Education, Experience, and License
* High School Diploma or Equivalent
* Relevant experience and/or post‑secondary training in business
* Experience with supervision, scheduling, and management
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
* Proficient use of Microsoft Office suite, Google Workspace and school‑based business management
* Follow all Board of Education policies
* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively – written and verbal
* Ability to meet deadlines
* Outgoing, friendly, and customer focused
* Demonstrates leadership abilities and must be a team player
* Works with speed, attention to detail, consistency, and organization
* Comfortable and pleasant demeanor in very busy environments
* Maintain professional appearance
Essential Functions
Ancillary Programs & Childcare Oversight (Little Scouts)
* Oversee the business operations, registration workflows, billing, and fee structures for the Little Scouts early childhood/childcare program.
* Ensure the program adheres to all local district policies and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) operational benchmarks where applicable.
* Monitor staffing ratios, program budgeting, and purchasing to ensure self‑sustainability or fiscal alignment with district goals.
Transportation & Fleet Management
* Oversee the district's Transportation department (whether in‑house or contracted), ensuring safe, timely, and efficient routing for all eligible students.
* Manage Fleet Management operations, including the maintenance, testing, and compliance of school buses and district‑owned utility vehicles.
* Ensure strict adherence to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) safety inspection schedules and Secretary of State driver licensing/permitting mandates.
* Direct the operational and financial performance of the district's Food Service program, guaranteeing compliance with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and ISBE nutrition guidelines.
* Lead Appraisal Coordination for food service assets, managing vendor contracts, food distributor bidding processes, and evaluating kitchen/cafeteria capital equipment.
Asset & Equipment Lifecycle Management
* Establish and maintain an institutional Equipment Replacement Cycle Management program across all operational departments to accurately forecast capital expenditures.
* Lead Furniture Management initiatives, coordinating the procurement, inventory, tracking, and surplus disposal of classroom, office, and common‑area furniture.
* Conduct regular cost‑benefit analyses on whether to repair versus replace district operational infrastructure.
District Wellness & Compliance
* Serve as a permanent administrative leader or liaison on the District Wellness Committee, ensuring the district's Wellness Policy meets Triennial Assessment requirements mandated by federal and state law.
* Integrate nutritional guidelines, active transportation concepts, and workplace safety initiatives from the committee into daily operational workflows.
* Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services or Chief Operating Officer.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates must apply online. Click here to access the online application.
To Inspire the Passion to Learn, the Insight to Know Oneself, and the Courage to Make a Difference
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