At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Headteacher in strategic school management and oversee financial systems.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive school community in beautiful Cambridgeshire.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your career in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in school business management or financial/accounting background required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
What will you be doing? Ability to provide strategic support to the Headteacher and Governing Body in all aspects of school business management. Understanding of key Human Resource issues, including recruitment, retention and employment law. Ability to take a leading role in the strategic planning of the school and develop the necessary tactics to ensure successful delivery of improvement plans, alongside leadership colleagues and governors. Manage financial management systems, including whole school budget (including specific grants such as the Pupil Premium and the Sports Premium); accounting and reporting procedures; preparation of financial returns to external stakeholders; liaison with Local Authority and auditors; reporting to governors; and manage all financial tenders and contracts. Manage all aspects of the school's Health & Safety obligations alongside the Assistant School Business Manager and support the Office Manager and Site Manager in managing premises maintenance, development and lettings of school site. Oversee the Appraisal cycle and training of all staff (including the professional development of the Office Team). Likely have a successful career history as a School Business Manager or have a financial or management accounting background.
About you: An application form, Job Description and Person Specification can be found on the school website. Requests for flexible working will be considered. Closing date: Midday, Friday 12 June 2026. Interviews - to be advised.
About us: Cambridgeshire is a great place to work and live with a diverse population, an urban centre in Cambridge, historic Isle of Ely, Huntingdon and St Ives as well as more rural landscapes. Our four values are central to our culture, driving everything we do. We are proud to serve the diverse communities of Cambridgeshire and want our workforce to be reflective of this diversity, which we firmly believe benefits our colleagues, the organisation and our communities. If you don't meet every single requirement in the job role but think this could be you, please don't be put off. We are committed to building a workplace that is compassionate and inclusive as well as diverse, so if you think you could be a good candidate for this role please consider applying and speak to the recruiting manager if you have any questions.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, along with our employee network 'IDEAL' and self‑organised peer support groups help us to foster an inclusive, supportive and safe working environment where people feel valued, respected, and empowered. We collect relevant diversity data for monitoring as part of the recruitment process to understand the diversity of our applicants and monitor any trends throughout the recruitment processes so that we can take meaningful action. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We fully support providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, as well as when you join us, and we encourage candidates to contact the Hiring Manager to discuss any adjustment needs. Through a Guaranteed Interview Scheme, we will offer an interview to all applicants who disclose a disability and meet the essential criteria for a job vacancy. On your application form you can indicate you are disabled. Some examples of reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process could include additional time to complete an assessment or printing a document on pastel coloured paper with larger font size and line spacing. We would value talking about what might be possible to enable you to join us and thrive, so if there is something that would help you to do your best during your journey with us, please get in touch.
Visit our jobs and careers section to find out more about our wide range of learning and development opportunities; apprenticeships; our wellbeing package; staff benefits; our commitment to equality, diversity and Inclusion.
School Business Manager in Cottenham employer: Cambridge County Council
At our school in Cambridgeshire, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values diversity, inclusion, and employee growth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional development and a commitment to staff wellbeing. With a focus on strategic support and community engagement, we offer a meaningful and rewarding environment for those looking to make a positive impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in Cottenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their strategic goals and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your achievements! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets, improved processes, or led teams. Numbers and results speak volumes in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the hiring manager. They’re there to help you through the process!
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in Cottenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of School Business Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in financial management, HR issues, and strategic planning can benefit our school. We want to see real examples of your past successes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us get a good sense of who you are quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary documents there to help you along the way.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be handling budgets and financial reports. Brush up on your financial management skills and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past. Bring examples of financial strategies you've implemented that led to positive outcomes.
✨Understand HR Essentials
Since the role involves key Human Resource issues, make sure you’re familiar with recruitment processes, retention strategies, and employment law. Prepare to share your experiences in these areas, especially any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
The interviewers will want to see your ability to contribute to strategic planning. Think about specific improvement plans you've developed or been part of, and be ready to explain your thought process and the impact of those plans on the school’s success.
✨Health & Safety Know-How
Health and safety is a crucial aspect of this role. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous positions. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved safety standards within a school or organisation.
