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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage business functions across two secondary academies for smooth operations.
- Company: Join United Learning, a supportive organisation focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in school life while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in school business management and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Cluster Business Manager to support two secondary academies within our United Learning South East London Cluster. This is a hands-on, operational leadership role, ideal for a proactive professional who enjoys being at the heart of school life while providing strong business and operational management. Working closely with the Senior Executive Business Manager, you will help lead and manage a range of business functions across the academies, including finance, administration, facilities, health and safety, and data protection. You will deputise for the Senior / Executive Business Manager when required and play a key role in ensuring efficient, compliant, and high-quality operational support that enables each school to focus on delivering excellent education.
Responsibilities:
- Play a visible, day-to-day operational role supporting the smooth running of both academies.
- Line-manage finance, administration, and premises teams, developing high-performing and motivated staff.
- Oversee financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance in line with United Learning requirements.
- Support HR processes, staff records, and safeguarding-related compliance.
- Act as Data Protection Lead across both schools, coordinating SARs, FOI requests, personal data breaches, and ROPA, working closely with the Data Protection Officer for advice and guidance.
- Manage operational contracts and suppliers, including catering, cleaning, and facilities services.
- Support admissions processes and wider administrative functions.
- Ensure health and safety, risk management, and statutory compliance across both sites.
- Contribute to strategic planning, change management, and governance activity as required.
This role is split across two academies within the cluster and will require flexibility, strong organisational skills, and a willingness to respond to the practical needs of busy secondary schools.
About You
We are looking for a professional who:
- Has significant experience in school business management or a comparable senior operational role.
- Is confident managing complex operational responsibilities across multiple sites.
- Has strong financial and people-management skills.
- Is highly organised, resilient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
- Communicates effectively with senior leaders, staff, governors, and external partners.
- Shares United Learning's commitment to exceptional standards, safeguarding, and continuous improvement.
A relevant qualification in business or school business management is desirable, as is experience working within a multi-school or trust environment, although transferable experience will also be considered.
Cluster Business Manager employer: Bacon’s College
Contact Detail:
Bacon’s College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Cluster Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in school business management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the academies you'll be supporting. Understand their values, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your operational skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex responsibilities, improved processes, or led teams in previous roles. We want to see your hands-on experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to the success of our academies.
We think you need these skills to ace Cluster Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Cluster Business Manager role. Highlight your experience in school business management and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about supporting schools and how your operational leadership experience can make a difference in our academies.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love to see how you've improved processes or led successful projects!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bacon’s College
✨Know Your Academies
Before the interview, take some time to research the two secondary academies you'll be supporting. Understand their values, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can contribute to their specific needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Cluster Business Manager, you'll be managing teams across multiple sites. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in a school or similar environment. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and manage complex operational responsibilities effectively.
✨Be Ready for Financial Questions
Given the financial management aspect of the role, brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial compliance and how you've handled budgets in previous roles. Specific examples will make your answers more impactful.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational skills, so come prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. You might want to share a situation where you successfully juggled multiple responsibilities, especially in a fast-paced environment like a school.
