School Business Manager

Job Introduction

Position: School Business Manager

Grade: F

Reports to: Headteacher

Role Overview:  

The School Business Manager is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for leading the school’s financial, administrative, and operational functions. This role ensures the efficient use of resources to support teaching and learning, drives strategic initiatives that enhance the school’s development and brand, and supports the school in improving processes and operational efficiency. The postholder will line manage the administrative, finance, and site teams, ensuring high standards of performance and service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead on the strategic and operational management of the school’s finances, including budget planning, monitoring, and control.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Governing Body, Headteacher, and Senior Leadership Team.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, regulations, and audit requirements.
• Oversee school administration, premises management, and operational support services.
• Support the school in reviewing and improving processes to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and consistency across teams.
• Manage procurement and contracts with external suppliers, ensuring best value and compliance.
• Manage staff contracts in line with school policies and employment regulations.
• Lead and deliver brand development initiatives, including the promotion and positioning of the school.
• Oversee school development projects, ensuring successful planning, delivery, and evaluation.
• Management, setup and day to day operations of 3rd party letting partners.
• Support the Senior Site Assistant in the effective implementation of health and safety across the school site.
• Line manage administrative, finance, and premises staff, supporting performance and development.
• Work in partnership with external agencies, contractors, and service providers to support school operations.
• Support the Headteacher and Governors with strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, and process improvement projects.

Systems:

• SAP
• Arbor
• Tucasi
• HCC Services Portal
• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Adobe
• CPOMS
• Other Financial and Education based systems

Essential Skills:

• Strong financial management and budget control skills.
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities, including managing large-scale projects.
• Experience in process improvement and streamlining operational workflows.
• High level of ICT proficiency, including financial and school management systems.
• Ability to analyse complex information and present it clearly to different audiences.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and compliance.

Essential Qualifications:

• Relevant experience in financial and operational management, ideally within an educational setting.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications:

• Professional qualification in school business management, finance, or equivalent (e.g., CSBM, DSBM, AAT, or degree in business/finance).
• Experience in brand development, marketing, or communications.
• Knowledge of HR procedures and employment law.
• Experience in income generation and fundraising initiatives.
• Experience of working at a senior leadership level within a school or public sector organisation.
• Familiarity with safeguarding and data protection compliance.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Vetting Requirements:

This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, and as per safer recruitment guidelines, references will be requested prior to interview.

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Sarah Kitching - Headteacher of Hollywater School  

S.Kitching@hollywater.hants.sch.uk

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.