Cluster Business Support Officer in Manchester

Cravenwood Primary Academy is a large school based in North Manchester and caters for children aged 3 to 11. At Cravenwood Primary Academy, we aim to prepare our learners for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life through the provision of a balanced, high quality education, delivered by a friendly, welcoming and passionate staff in a caring and stimulating environment where our school family is learning and achieving together.

‘This is a school where everyone matters. Staff and pupils greet each other with a warm welcome and a friendly smile each day. Pupils bask in the support and guidance that staff provide.’ ‘Leaders have created a culture where pupils know it is important to work hard and to behave well. Pupils proudly rise to leaders’ high expectations of them. Their behaviour and attitudes embody the school’s motto, ‘bringing out the best in everyone’. Ofsted March 2023.

Cravenwood Primary Academy is part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life-changing education to children and young people across England. United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

Location: Across our School Cluster (Abbey Hey Primary Academy, Brentnall Primary Academy, Cadishead Primary Academy, Cravenwood Primary Academy, Dukesgate Academy and Marlborough Road Academy)

Salary: Actual salary £25,011 (£28,986 FTE)

Contract: 37.5 hours a week, term time only.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Join Our Team and Make a Difference

We are seeking an organised, proactive and highly motivated Cluster Business Support Officer to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the operational, administrative and financial functions of six schools within our cluster. Working closely with school leaders, business professionals and central Trust teams, you will provide a high-quality business support service across the cluster, contributing to the efficient and effective running of our schools.

About the Role

No two days are the same in this varied and rewarding role. You will support a range of business functions including administration, finance, HR processes, compliance and operational activities across six schools within the cluster.

• Providing administrative support across a number of schools.
• Maintaining accurate records, databases and filing systems.
• Supporting finance processes including purchase orders, invoices and budget monitoring.
• Assisting with recruitment, onboarding and HR administration.
• Coordinating meetings, preparing documentation and taking minutes.
• Producing reports and management information.
• Supporting compliance and statutory requirements.
• Building positive relationships with colleagues, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Supporting continuous improvement of processes and systems across the cluster.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Can manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Has experience working in an administrative or business support environment.
• Is confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Communicates effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Is resilient, adaptable and enjoys working as part of a team.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Is willing and able to travel regularly between the six schools within the cluster to provide on-site support as required.
• Has access to reliable transport and can work flexibly across multiple locations.
• Experience within an education setting or knowledge of school business functions would be advantageous but is not essential.

What We Offer

In return, we offer:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to employee wellbeing support.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (where applicable).
• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the success of our schools and the outcomes of young people.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious and organised individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and wants to make a real difference behind the scenes. The successful candidate will become an integral part of our cluster team, providing hands‑on support across six schools and helping to drive operational excellence throughout the organisation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks.

Closing Date: Friday 25th September 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.