At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the business operations of our schools, managing finances, HR, and facilities.
- Company: Beauclerc & Chennestone Federation, a supportive and vibrant school community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and a week off in term time.
- Other info: Join a welcoming team dedicated to children's success and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while growing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in school budget management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47142 - 51175 £ per year.
Employer Location: Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: Pay Range PS10 £47,142 - £51,175
Posted: 14th April 2026
Start Date: To Be Confirmed
Expires: 5th May 2026 11:59 PM
Job ID: 1544654
Job Reference: SBM 2026
The Headteacher and Governors wish to appoint a dynamic, energetic, and enthusiastic School Business Manager (SBM) to lead the business aspects of the Beauclerc and Chennestone Federation. This position comes as our highly valued SBM prepares for retirement, presenting a tremendous opportunity for a dedicated and ambitious individual seeking a challenging and rewarding role.
As the SBM, you will be responsible for overseeing the Federation’s finances, administration, facilities, and human resources. You will play a crucial role in supporting the smooth and efficient running of our schools, working closely with the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, and Governors as part of the Senior Leadership Team. Additionally, you will manage and work closely alongside our experienced office teams and the Premises Manager on a day-to-day operational basis.
The Headteacher, pupils, governors, and staff take great pride in our schools and are excited about the prospect of collaborating with a visionary, innovative, and collaborative school business leader. Your leadership will be instrumental in building on our strengths and successes while continuously improving our educational environment.
This is an exciting opportunity for a committed professional who wishes to contribute fully to the life of our school communities and help shape their continued development. If you are dedicated to providing the very best for children and staff and are looking for a new challenge, then we could be the Federation for you!
We are looking for someone who:
- brings the highest standards of business management, has proven experience of managing a school budget and extensive capital expenditure and can take the lead in budget planning and management, within a team and individually
- has excellent leadership skills, is outward-looking, pro-active and solution focused
- combines solid business skills with an understanding of management and finance in a school or similar organisation (qualification such as CSBM or equivalent is a must)
- can lead and manage with the aim of adding value across each aspect of the role including finance, compliance, HR, premises, safer recruitment, IT infrastructure (including cyber security), GDPR and Health & Safety
- has the ability to lead and quality assure the delivery of facilities management, premises and catering
- can provide strategic advice to the Headteacher and Governing Body
- has the ability to see the big picture while retaining an eye for detail
- is organised, can multi-task, can communicate efficiently and in a timely manner, and can meet deadlines
- is able to work effectively under pressure, giving attention to detail and accuracy
- can visibly work as part of a team and build strong relationships with staff, parents and children
- has a good sense of humour
We can offer you:
- a warm and welcoming family of staff, Governors, children, and parents
- the opportunity to work alongside an inspiring and committed team where people are valued and well-being is important
- a positive, well-resourced working environment where the school office is highly valued and central to the daily life of the school
- the opportunity to develop the role and your own career by building on the successful work to date
- a tailored and high quality CPD programme to support your role and personal growth
- support from our local authority schools finance team, HR and payroll support
- the opportunity to work alongside other local SBM’s
- happy and thriving schools
- a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of our children and families
- the opportunity to work from home in discussion with the Head (e.g. for month end work/ budget work where you need less distractions)
- the offer of a week holiday in term time at the discretion of the Headteacher
The closing date for the post is 12.00pm on Tuesday 5th May. Shortlisting of applicants will be held on Thursday 7th May, and successful applicants will be invited to interview on Wednesday 20th May.
Within this pack, you will find:
- Information about the school
- Job description & Person Specification
In addition, please visit our website for more information. We are inviting prospective applicants to take a tour of the schools. Please do come and visit our schools so you can meet the pupils, staff and governors. You will be very welcome.
Please contact the Headteacher, Mrs Hayley Mulhall, who will be very happy to arrange a tour.
An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this position. Online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks and applying for this position gives your automatic consent to these searches.
Safeguarding Statement: Beauclerc & Chennestone Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and pre-employment and safeguarding checks.
School Business Manager in Sunbury-on-Thames employer: Chennestone Primary School
Beauclerc & Chennestone Federation is an exceptional employer, offering a warm and welcoming environment where staff, governors, children, and parents come together as a family. With a strong emphasis on well-being, professional development, and collaboration, this role as School Business Manager provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a supportive community.
Contact Details:
Chennestone Primary School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Business Manager in Sunbury-on-Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a tour of the schools if you can. This will not only show your interest but also help you understand their culture and values better.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. They can give you insider info about the school and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed budgets or led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager in Sunbury-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of School Business Manager. We want to see how you can bring value to our schools!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a School Business Manager, you'll be leading teams and managing resources. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to inspire and manage effectively.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role. Ensure your application is free from typos and errors, and clearly structured. This reflects your organisational skills and professionalism, which are crucial for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chennestone Primary School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a School Business Manager, you'll be handling budgets and finances. Brush up on your financial management skills and be ready to discuss your experience with budget planning and capital expenditure. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role requires excellent leadership abilities. Think about times when you've led a team or project. Be prepared to share how you motivated others, resolved conflicts, and contributed to a positive working environment. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you can build strong relationships within the school community.
✨Understand the Big Picture
While attention to detail is crucial, being able to see the bigger picture is equally important. Prepare to discuss how you balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operations. Share examples of how you've implemented changes that improved overall efficiency or enhanced the educational environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face as a School Business Manager and how you would address them. Practise articulating your thought process clearly and confidently, demonstrating your proactive and solution-focused mindset.
