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 and to contribute to the success of two innovative schools.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while working with passionate teams in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong financial acumen, ideally in education or regulated environments.
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 Bridgnorth employer: Blackstone Recruitment Limited
Join our Outstanding-rated school as a School Business Manager, where you will lead and inspire teams across two specialist sites in Bucknall and Wilmslow. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with complex needs. With a commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, we provide a dynamic environment for those looking to excel in educational management.
Contact Details:
Blackstone Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in Bridgnorth
✨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 thoroughly. 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 specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and budgets in the past. Highlight your experience in compliance and operational excellence to align with what they're looking for.
✨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 about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in Bridgnorth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to ensure you're a great fit for the School Business Manager role, so understanding the responsibilities and requirements is key!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:When applying, don’t just send a generic CV. We love seeing how your experience aligns with our needs, so highlight your leadership skills and financial acumen in relation to the role. Make it personal and relevant!
Showcase Your Passion for Education:We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference in education. In your application, share any experiences or motivations that demonstrate your commitment to transforming the lives of young people.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, please apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
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 financial management and compliance with health & safety regulations. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨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 your leadership has driven operational excellence and improved outcomes.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions about the schools and their strategic priorities. Ask about their vision for the future, how they measure success, or what challenges they currently face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Acumen
Given the importance of budget management in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial analysis and performance monitoring. Prepare to talk about how you've previously handled budgets, driven value, and ensured compliance with funding regulations. Use specific metrics or achievements to back up your claims.
