At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our leadership team to manage school operations and drive efficiency.
- Company: Wheatfield Primary School, part of The Leaf Trust, dedicated to exceptional education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on school operations and help shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant subject and experience in finance or HR required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement and a focus on employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 29896 - 32314 £ per year.
Location: Bristol, South Gloucestershire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part Time
Salary: £40,777-£44,075 FTE (Actual Salary: £29,896-£32,314)
Posted: 2nd March 2026
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Expires: 20th March 2026 04:00 PM
Application Closing Date: Friday, 20th March 2026 (4pm) - We recommend early application as the school reserves the right to close the advert prior to the stated deadline date
Interview Date: W/C 29th March 2026
The Role – A School-Based Leadership Opportunity
Working as one of our senior School Business Partners, you will be a key member of the school’s leadership team, ensuring the smooth and efficient management of school operations. This is a school-based role, working closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to provide expert guidance on finance, payroll, HR, estates, procurement, health and safety, GDPR, and business operations. Your leadership will help the school maximize resources, drive efficiency, and ensure compliance with Trust policies and legal requirements, enabling Headteachers to focus on teaching, learning, and school improvement.
This role requires someone who thrives on multitasking, problem-solving, and bringing structure to operational processes—if you love being the go-to person for keeping things running smoothly, this is the job for you!
We are looking for someone who:
- Is super organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities at once.
- Holds a degree or higher-level qualification in a relevant subject, CSBM and or DSBM.
- Has experience in finance, HR, estates, office management, or school business operations.
- Has line management experience, with strong leadership skills to develop teams, drive improvements, and implement best practices.
- Is proactive, solution-focused, and committed to making a positive impact on school operations.
- Can work independently while also collaborating with Headteachers, governors, and the Trust central team.
Please refer to the candidate information pack for more information about this role.
The School and Trust:
Wheatfield Primary School is a proud member of The Leaf Trust, which comprises 17 schools — 13 primary, two infant, and two junior — and is committed to creating exceptional learning environments that serve and reflect our local communities. We are delighted to be part of a Trust that champions joyful, inclusive Primary and Early Years education rooted in strong relationships and shared values.
At Wheatfield Primary School, our children are at the heart of everything we do. We prioritise building trusting relationships and positive connections across our school family so that all children can experience success without limits. Our aim is for all members of our school community to be “Inspired to achieve”. We are a nurturing and ambitious school, where children are supported by skilled, dedicated staff and encouraged to be confident, respectful, and resilient learners. Our friendly team works in close partnership with families to ensure that every child feels safe, seen, and inspired to succeed.
What We Can Offer You:
- A Great Working Environment: Experience a supportive and motivating workplace with a skilled, dedicated, hard-working staff team, who exude positivity and are good humoured.
- Professional Growth: We are deeply committed to staff development and offer excellent Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities tailored to your needs. In addition to CPD, staff can take advantage of various apprenticeship opportunities, providing practical experience and personal growth.
- Pathways for Progression: As part of a network of 17 schools, you'll find numerous opportunities for career advancement and the chance to take on exciting new challenges.
- Employee Wellbeing: At our school, your wellbeing is paramount. We conduct an annual staff survey to ensure your voice is heard, and our dedicated Wellbeing Committees provide support and resources to promote a healthy work-life balance.
- Financial Benefits: We value our staff and offer excellent pension packages for both teaching and support staff, providing financial security for your future. Additionally, take advantage of our Cycle to Work Scheme, enabling you to save money on commuting expenses, and our discount retail platform, helping you save money on various purchases.
We encourage you to browse our respective websites for more information about Wheatfield Primary School and The Leaf Trust.
How to Apply
All applicants are advised to refer to the candidate information pack, which includes the job description and specification, before submitting an application. If you feel that your skills and experience match the requirements of this post then please submit an Application Form outlining reasons for applying and suitability for the role. In order to do so, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. Please be advised, in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, we do not accept CVs.
Safeguarding Statement: The Leaf Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment practices, suitability to work with children and young people will be assessed during the selection process. All appointments are subject to comprehensive vetting, including an enhanced DBS check, employment and reference checks, and an online search.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, as we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
School Business Manager (Senior School Business Partner) employer: Bowsland Green Primary School
Contact Detail:
Bowsland Green Primary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager (Senior School Business Partner)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Wheatfield Primary School and The Leaf Trust. Understanding their mission and culture will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role. Focus on your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed multiple priorities in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of specific examples where you've tackled challenges in finance, HR, or operations. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to drive improvements, which is key for the Senior School Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager (Senior School Business Partner)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so highlight those relevant bits in your application!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your application specifically for the School Business Manager role. Use the language from the job description to show us you understand what we need and how you can contribute.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bowsland Green Primary School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of a School Business Manager. Brush up on finance, HR, and procurement processes, as well as any relevant legislation. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to multitask and problem-solve, as these are crucial skills for this position. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the School's Values
Familiarise yourself with Wheatfield Primary School and The Leaf Trust’s mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating an exceptional learning environment for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school. Consider asking about their approach to staff development or how they measure success in school operations.