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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and support teams to transform young lives at Farney Close.
- Company: Join the compassionate Farney Educational Trust, making a real difference in education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, free lunches, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a 75-year legacy of excellence in supporting vulnerable young people.
- Why this job: Combine your business expertise with meaningful social impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong finance background and leadership skills required; experience in education is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Farney Close, we don't just educate students – we transform lives. We're home to some of the most vulnerable young people in the country, with Outstanding-rated residential care and Good educational provision from Ofsted, proving that with the right support, every young person can flourish.
We need an exceptional Business Manager who's ready to be the financial backbone of something truly meaningful. This isn't your typical number-crunching role – you'll be the operational support behind an organisation that turns challenging circumstances into bright futures.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:
- Lead with Purpose
- Support and work alongside finance, HR, ICT, estates, and support functions across 22+ direct and indirect reports
- Be the right-hand to our principal and the SLT helping them to focus on maintaining, improving and delivering exceptional residential care and educational provision
- Shape the financial strategy that keeps our doors open for the young people who need us most
- Master Complex Operations
- Navigate the intricate world of SEND funding with multiple local authority relationships
- Lead budget processes that directly impact vulnerable lives
- Turn compliance requirements into systems that protect and empower our students
- Oversee everything from statutory reporting to staff accommodation management
- Implement innovative systems that maximise every pound for student support
- Create sustainable funding models that secure our future impact
- Lead key department heads while fostering collaboration across the organisation
- Ensure our 75-year heritage of excellence continues through robust operational support
- Support recruitment, training, and development that attracts professionals with values aligned with Farney Close
- Leverage technology and data analytics to demonstrate our value to commissioners
- Identify opportunities that enhance provision without compromising our care standards
- Support strategic development that expands our capacity to help more young people
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU:
- Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Private medical insurance and death in service (two times salary)
- Professional development opportunities to keep your skills sharp
- Based in beautiful West Sussex countryside setting with free parking, onsite gym and free lunches provided
- Be part of a compassionate organisation committed to being an exemplary employer
- A site-based role (our students and colleagues need consistent, present leadership)
- Join an organisation with Outstanding-rated residential care and Good educational provision and be a part of their ongoing success
- Gain experience across charity, education, and residential care sectors
- Work directly with the Board of Directors on strategic decisions
- Build expertise in SEND education – one of the most critical areas in education today
The Profound Satisfaction Factor
- Know that your financial stewardship directly enables life-changing education
- See the tangible impact of your work in young people's transitions to independence
- Be part of success stories that break cycles and create new possibilities
- Work for an organization with 75 years of heritage and a clear vision for the future
YOUR ESSENTIAL TOOLKIT
Must-Have Qualifications:
- Strong educational background with excellent English and Maths results
- Proven experience in finance, facilities, and operational management
- Track record of leading and supporting teams and core functions in a schools or commercial environment
- Experience managing complex projects within strict budgets and demanding timelines
- Financial and commercial acumen with strong ICT skills
- CIMA, ACA, ACCA (or working towards)
Highly Desirable Experience:
- Previous Bursar or Business Manager experience
- Background in charity or education environments
- Experience with Sage financial systems
- Understanding of school and charity governance
- Knowledge of charity accounting standards
Personal Qualities We're Looking For:
- Clear leadership capability with emotional resilience and intelligence
- Ability to build effective relationships quickly and create honest, trusting environments
- Strategic thinking combined with attention to detail
- Strong decision-making skills and ability to manage complex priorities
- Empathy with Farney Close's ethos and commitment to our daily mission
Farney Close has achieved Outstanding for residential care and Good for educational provision from OFSTED whilst growing from 72 to 100 students. We've proven that vulnerable young people with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties can thrive with the right support.
Now we need someone to help us write the next chapter of operational excellence while keeping our transformative mission at the heart of everything we do. This is your chance to combine serious business expertise with genuine social impact. You'll work in an environment where your operational leadership directly translates to improved life outcomes for young people who need it most.
Ready to make a difference that matters? Apply now. We'd love to hear your story.
Closing date of 27th August with interviews to take place early September.
Farney Close is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds – after all, diverse teams create the strongest foundations for supporting diverse young people.
Please note: This role requires on-site presence to ensure effective operational leadership and support for our residential and educational provision. The role will adhere to safer recruitment practices and will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barred List search and a satisfactory section 128 direction check.
Business Manager employer: Farney Educational Trust
Contact Detail:
Farney Educational Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and charity sectors. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Business Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at places like Farney Educational Trust.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation's mission and values. Understand how your financial expertise can directly impact the lives of vulnerable young people. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to their cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed complex projects in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a team that’s making a real difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Farney Close, so share your story and why you’re excited about this role!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Manager position. Highlight your relevant experience in finance and operational management, and don’t forget to mention any work you've done in education or charity sectors. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Farney Close!
How to prepare for a job interview at Farney Educational Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Think about specific examples where your financial decisions made a significant impact.
✨Understand the Mission
Farney Educational Trust is all about transforming lives. Make sure you understand their ethos and be prepared to discuss how your values align with their mission. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Be ready to talk about your experience leading teams and managing complex projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and illustrate your ability to foster collaboration and drive results.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the nature of the role, expect questions around compliance and governance. Familiarise yourself with charity accounting standards and any relevant regulations. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated compliance challenges in previous roles and the systems you've implemented to ensure adherence.