School Business Manager

Job Introduction

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SBM Job Advert – Grade F £40643- £45077

Full time – permanent – 37 hours, 52 weeks

Job Introduction

We are looking for a highly motivated, pro-active, forward thinking and dedicated School Business Manager to join our hard working, talented and friendly special school community. This unique role within our leadership team balances both operational and strategic responsibilities including, but not limited to, budget ownership, HR, H&S and premises. This pivotal 52-week post involves directing and coordinating the full range of school financial, administrative and site services. You will take a proactive and partnership role in developing and implementing the school’s longer-term vision and objectives.  The role is well suited to an experienced School Business Manager who can work independently and in partnership with the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team. Visits to our friendly and vibrant school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. 

We are looking for a School Business Manager who has:

• Experience and knowledge of business, finance and resource management
• Experience of setting, managing and monitoring budgets
• Leadership and line management experience 
• Good understanding of HR, health and safety and premises management 
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise, set and meet deadlines 
• Ability to think and plan ahead, working in a logical, strategic and proactive way
• Good communicator with flexible "can do" attitude and a good sense of humour 
• A team player willing to go the extra mile for the benefit of the children and staff 

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Management: oversee budgeting, financial planning, and reporting. Propose revisions to budgets if necessary, in response to significant or unforeseen developments. Ensure compliance with financial regulations and manage school funds efficiently.
• HR Administration: oversee and manage recruitment, contracts, payroll, staff absence, single central record and staff records on the appropriate systems.
• Facilities & Premises: In partnership with the school site manager, ensure the school premises are safe, well-maintained, and compliant with health and safety standards.
• Procurement & Contracts: Lead on purchasing, supplier management, and negotiating contracts to ensure value for money.        Monitor the effectiveness and implementation of contracts.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to long-term planning and development of the school, including income generation and cost-saving initiatives.
• Compliance & Governance: Support with policies, audits, and regulatory requirements including GDPR and safeguarding.
• Attend senior management/leadership team, full governing board and appropriate governors’ sub-committee meetings as necessary.

• Along with other members of the senior leadership team, ensure that colleagues have a clear understanding of school policies and procedures and the importance of putting them into practice

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Strong financial acumen and experience in strategic financial planning, budget management and financial reporting.
• Ability to demonstrate delivery of service and systems applicable for effective school management.
• Ability to demonstrate meticulous attention to detail, analytical skills and problem solving.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills; being able to work autonomously and within a team.
• Knowledge of HR procedures and school operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, governors, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in a school or educational setting is highly desirable, but not essential.
• Accounting qualification or equivalent significant experience in financial management
• Minimum 2 years of relevant finance / business work experience

Desirable:

• Knowledge of school or schools’ finance and accounting systems, particularly HCC IBC Finance and Personnel, Arbor, Access Education Budgeting Tool
• School Business Manager qualification i.e. Fellow of NASBM, DSBM, CSBM, ILM Level 4 Diploma of SBM.

Application Procedure:

If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact admin@fpshants.co.uk for an application form and job description, including further information from the Headteacher and a tour of the school. Completed application forms can be emailed to: admin@fpshants.co.uk   (CVs are not accepted).

Applications close: 30 January 2025

Interview date:6 February 2025

We reserve the right to hold interviews whilst the advert is still current. We also reserve the right to close the advert earlier if required. 

Please be aware that all applicants will be subjected to an online search.

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.