At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage support services across two specialist schools, ensuring operational excellence.
- Company: Outstanding rated school dedicated to transforming the lives of young people with complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative educational setting.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while working with passionate teams in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience, financial acumen, and knowledge of safeguarding and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 55000 £ per year.
Dual Site
Salary: £52,000 - £55,000 per annum
Location: Bucknall (Stoke-on-Trent) & Wilmslow (Cheshire East)
Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term, 40 hours per week
About Us
This School is proud to be rated Outstanding by Ofsted, delivering innovative education and care for up to 90 young people aged 6-19 with complex needs, including Autism and associated conditions. This School, opened in April 2023, is already making a significant impact. With capacity for 50 students, it provides specialist education for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism spectrum conditions. We are proud to have achieved Outstanding ratings in Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development in our most recent Ofsted inspection.
The Role
This is a senior leadership opportunity across two specialist schools, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping operational excellence and supporting outstanding outcomes for students. Both schools have Administration Teams that will work under your management and guidance. As School Business Manager, you will lead and develop all support services across both sites, including:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Facilities & Estates
- ICT
- Health & Safety
- Housekeeping & Catering
You will ensure these services operate efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with the schools' strategic priorities creating safe, effective, and high-quality environments for learning and wellbeing. Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will:
- Lead strategic and operational planning for support services
- Manage budgets with full accountability, driving value and performance
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, safeguarding, and health & safety requirements
- Oversee financial performance, reporting, and resource allocation
- Inspire and manage multi-disciplinary teams across both sites
- Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
This is a varied and dynamic role, and you will be expected to contribute to the wider leadership and success of both schools.
About You
You are an experienced and confident leader with a strong background in business management ideally within education or a similar regulated environment. You will bring:
- Proven leadership experience across multiple operational functions
- Strong financial acumen, including budget setting, monitoring, and performance analysis (including EBITDA)
- Sound knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and health & safety legislation
- Understanding of education funding, inspection frameworks, and regulatory requirements
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- The ability to work autonomously, make sound decisions, and solve complex problems
Desirable:
- A recognised management or professional qualification (e.g. Management Diploma or Finance qualification)
- Experience leading HR processes and procedures
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact across two specialist settings, working with passionate teams committed to transforming the lives of young people. Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Education Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children. The Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.
This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.
School Business Manager in Birmingham employer: Blackstone Recruitment Limited
Join our outstanding team as a School Business Manager, where you will have the unique opportunity to lead and shape operational excellence across two specialist schools in Bucknall and Wilmslow. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration, offering competitive salaries and a commitment to employee growth through professional development opportunities. Be part of a passionate community dedicated to transforming the lives of young people with complex needs, while enjoying the benefits of working in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
Contact Details:
Blackstone Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a School Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the schools you're applying to. Understand their values, recent achievements, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and budgets in the past. Highlight your experience in driving operational excellence and compliance, as these are key for the role.
✨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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the School Business Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and financial acumen, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in business management within education or similar environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and lead teams effectively. This will help us see your potential impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackstone Recruitment Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a School Business Manager. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as budget management and compliance with health & safety regulations. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves leading multi-disciplinary teams, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects, particularly in an educational or regulated environment. Highlight how you inspired your team and drove operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare by thinking about challenges you’ve faced in previous roles, especially related to finance or compliance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to show your interest in the schools' strategic priorities. Ask about their vision for operational excellence or how they measure success in support services. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
