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- Tasks: Lead finance, HR, IT, and operations for a thriving school.
- Company: Join St Ambrose Barlow RC High School, a supportive and community-focused environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension contributions, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact in students' lives.
- Qualifications: A Level 4 finance qualification or equivalent experience is essential.
- Other info: This role requires an enhanced DBS check and offers a chance to work closely with senior leaders.
The predicted salary is between 51600 - 57700 £ per year.
Are you a School Finance Manager or SBM looking for a more senior role? Looking for a role where your voice is heard, your ideas matter—and you’ve got the freedom to lead? This might be your perfect opportunity.
We’re supporting St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Swinton (M27 9QP) in their search for a School Business Manager—a crucial role that sits on the Senior Leadership Team and works closely with the Headteacher. You’ll be the go-to person for all things finance, HR, estates, IT, operations, and compliance. If you’re ready to step up, lead strategically, and help shape the future of a thriving school, read on.
Key details:
- Salary: £59,627 - £64,951
- Hours: 36 per week, Monday to Friday (with some flexibility)
- Contract: Permanent, full-year role
- Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme—19.8% employer contribution
- Location: Swinton, Salford
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Managing the school’s financial strategy, budgets, and reporting
- Supporting department leads with financial planning and insights
- Leading audits, policy reviews, and year-end processes
- Overseeing HR operations and advising on employment issues
- Managing the school site, including a PFI contract and capital projects
- Leading IT strategy and overseeing systems and service contracts
- Taking charge of health & safety, insurance, and emergency planning
- Acting as the school’s Data Protection Officer (DPO), managing GDPR, FOIs, SARs and staff training
What you’ll bring:
- A Level 4 finance qualification (e.g. AAT) or significant equivalent experience
- A solid background in finance and budget management
- Experience leading operations across HR, estates, IT or administration
- Confidence working with senior leaders, governors, and external partners
- Strong communication skills—you can turn complex data into clear advice
- Strategic thinking combined with a practical, can-do approach
- Knowledge of employment law, data protection, health & safety and safer recruitment
- A student-first attitude and commitment to the school’s values
- Support for the Catholic ethos of the school
- Fluent spoken English to support clear communication
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Interested in becoming the School Business Manager at St Ambrose Barlow? Let’s have a chat. Send your CV via this ad or give Kellie Gordon a call at the Appoint-Ed office to find out more. I’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV via this ad. This role is being handled exclusively by Kellie Gordon at Appoint-Ed. All direct approaches will be forwarded to Kellie. Agency CVs will be regarded as a gift.
School Business Manager employer: Appoint-Ed Support Staff Ltd
Contact Detail:
Appoint-Ed Support Staff Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current or former School Business Managers to gain insights into the role and its challenges. This can help you understand what specific skills and experiences are valued in this position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the financial strategies and operational frameworks used in schools, particularly those similar to St Ambrose Barlow. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with compliance and data protection, as these are crucial aspects of the role. Being able to articulate your understanding of GDPR and other regulations will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and strategic thinking during any discussions. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in a school or educational setting.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in finance management, HR operations, and strategic leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and lead teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your alignment with the school's values. Mention your understanding of the Catholic ethos and how you can contribute to the school's mission.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your Level 4 finance qualification or equivalent experience in your application. Emphasise any additional certifications or training that relate to finance, HR, or compliance.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information to senior leaders or stakeholders. This is crucial for the role, so make it clear how you can translate data into actionable insights.
How to prepare for a job interview at Appoint-Ed Support Staff Ltd
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a School Business Manager, you'll be managing the school's financial strategy. Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in finance and budget management, highlighting specific examples of how you've successfully handled financial planning and reporting.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role sits on the Senior Leadership Team, so it's crucial to show your leadership capabilities. Share instances where you've led teams or projects, particularly in HR or operations, and how you navigated challenges while achieving results.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice explaining complex data in simple terms, as you'll need to advise senior leaders and governors. Consider preparing a few key points to illustrate your ability to convey important information effectively.
✨Align with the School's Values
St Ambrose Barlow RC High School values a student-first attitude and support for its Catholic ethos. Research the school's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs during the interview.
