Strategic School Business Manager: Finance, HR & Ops

Strategic School Business Manager: Finance, HR & Ops

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
All Saints

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial management, HR administration, and operational systems in a primary school.
  • Company: All Saints CE Primary School, a caring and community-focused environment.
  • Benefits: Inclusive community, professional development, and direct impact on pupil wellbeing.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and pupil welfare.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in education while shaping the school's future.
  • Qualifications: Experience in financial management and strong organisational skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

As School Business Manager you will provide strategic leadership and operational management across the school's business functions, ensuring efficient and effective support for teaching and learning. You would work four days (32 hours) per week, term time plus two weeks. We would consider five days (37 hours) per week for the right candidate if preferred.

Reporting to the Headteacher and working closely with governors and the SLT, your responsibilities will include:

  • Leading the school's financial management: budget planning, monitoring and forecasting, producing regular reports, and ensuring compliance with statutory and audit requirements (including SFVS).
  • Overseeing HR administration: recruitment processes, Single Central Record maintenance, payroll liaison, staff records and CPD coordination.
  • Managing premises, health & safety and statutory compliance: contractor management, risk registers, insurance and business continuity planning.
  • Coordinating procurement, contracts, income generation and value-for-money initiatives.
  • Line-managing office and premises staff and ensuring excellent day-to-day administrative systems.
  • Supporting the school's drive towards a balanced in-year budget and helping to align staffing and resources to pupil outcomes.

This post offers a high-impact, varied role where your work will directly influence pupil experience and school improvement. Are you a proactive school business professional who wants to make a real difference to a caring, community-focused primary school? We are seeking to appoint a School Business Manager to play a key strategic role within our school. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose in a warm, inclusive school where every pupil is respected and encouraged to achieve.

Qualifications

We are seeking a confident, organised and collaborative professional who can lead business operations with integrity and vision. You will be someone who:

  • Brings practical experience of school or public sector financial management and budget monitoring.
  • Is skilled at analysing and presenting financial information clearly to senior leaders and governors.
  • Demonstrates strong organisational and leadership abilities and can manage multiple priorities calmly.
  • Has excellent ICT skills and familiarity with school systems (Arbour MIS and Finance desirable).
  • Understands confidentiality and GDPR, and can lead on compliance and risk management.
  • Is comfortable leading HR administration, safer recruitment and maintaining the Single Central Record.
  • Shares our inclusive values and is committed to ensuring resources are used to support the best outcomes for every pupil.

An SBM qualification or equivalent experience is desirable but not essential for a candidate demonstrating strong, relevant experience. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourage diversity. All Saints CE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils; appointment will be subject to satisfactory DBS checks and references. We look forward to hearing how you can help us build on our vision of Nurture, Resilience and Achievement for All.

Benefits

  • A friendly, inclusive school community with strong local links and enthusiastic children who are kind and respectful in their relationships.
  • A supportive and caring staff and governor team who work together to bring joy and learning to our children.
  • Opportunity to shape the school's financial stability and operational systems with direct impact on teaching, learning and pupil wellbeing.
  • Professional development and collaborative working with an experienced leadership team.
  • A varied, senior role within a supportive governing body and committed staff team.
  • Commitment to safeguarding.

Strategic School Business Manager: Finance, HR & Ops employer: All Saints

All Saints CE Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a warm and inclusive work environment where every staff member is valued and encouraged to contribute to the school's mission of nurturing resilience and achievement for all pupils. With a strong focus on professional development and collaboration, you will have the opportunity to shape the school's financial and operational systems, directly impacting teaching and learning while working alongside a supportive team dedicated to fostering a positive community. This role not only provides meaningful work but also allows you to make a real difference in the lives of enthusiastic children in a caring primary school setting.

All Saints

Contact Details:

All Saints Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic School Business Manager: Finance, HR & Ops

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to finance, HR, and operations. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision of Nurture, Resilience, and Achievement for All.

Tip Number 3

Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your past experiences and how they relate to the role of School Business Manager. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic School Business Manager: Finance, HR & Ops

Financial Management
Budget Planning
Monitoring and Forecasting
Report Production
Statutory Compliance
HR Administration
Recruitment Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial management, HR, and operations. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a School Business Manager, you'll be leading various functions. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership abilities and how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. We love seeing examples of collaboration and strategic thinking!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community-focused school!

How to prepare for a job interview at All Saints

Know Your Numbers

As a Strategic School Business Manager, you'll be knee-deep in financial management. Brush up on your budget planning and monitoring skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past and how you can ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role requires strong organisational and leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects, especially in a school or public sector context. Highlight your experience in managing multiple priorities and how you keep calm under pressure.

Understand the Bigger Picture

Make sure you understand how your role impacts teaching and learning. Be prepared to discuss how you can align resources to improve pupil outcomes. Show that you’re not just about numbers but also about nurturing a positive school environment.

Familiarise Yourself with School Systems

If you have experience with Arbour MIS and Finance, mention it! If not, do a bit of research on common school systems. Being able to talk about how you can leverage technology for efficient operations will set you apart from other candidates.