School Business Manager – Dual Site (0222)
Salary: £52,000 – £55,000 per annum
Position Type: Fixed Term Contract (Full-Time)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Location: Dual-site role across Stoke-on-Trent and Cheshire East
About the Schools
The first site is an Ofsted-rated Outstanding specialist provision delivering high-quality education and care for up to 90 people aged 6–19 with complex needs, including Autism and associated conditions.
The second site, opened in April 2023, is a growing specialist setting for up to 50 students aged 5–19 with Autism spectrum conditions. It has already achieved Outstanding ratings in Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development in its most recent Ofsted inspection.
The Role
This is a senior leadership opportunity across two specialist schools, where you will play a key role in driving operational excellence and supporting outstanding outcomes for students. You will oversee Administration Teams at both locations, providing leadership, direction, and support.
As School Business Manager, you will lead and manage all support services across both sites, including:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Facilities & Estates
- ICT
- Health & Safety
- Housekeeping & Catering
You will ensure these functions operate efficiently, comply with all regulatory requirements, and align with each school’s strategic priorities—creating safe, effective, and high-quality environments for learning and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
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 safeguarding, regulatory, and health & safety requirements
- Oversee financial performance, reporting, and resource allocation
- Inspire, lead, and develop multi-disciplinary teams across both sites
- Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
This is a varied and dynamic position, requiring active contribution to the wider leadership and ongoing 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 similarly 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 independently, make informed 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
