School Business Manager

We are looking for driven and passionate people to work with us to deliver real benefits for children and families in Knowsley.

Hours: 36 hours per week. 46-week or 52-week contract by negotiation.

Salary: Competitive and negotiable, depending on experience and qualification.

Preferred start date: April 2026 or earlier. Flexible for the right candidate.

Malvern Primary School is an Outstanding school, judged by Ofsted in April 2025. We are ambitious, outward facing and committed to continual improvement. We are now seeking an experienced and strategic School Business Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help drive the next phase of our development. This is a pivotal senior leadership role.

We are seeking a candidate with substantial experience in financial and operational leadership who can demonstrate measurable impact at organisational level. The successful candidate will work alongside the Headteacher and Governors to shape long term financial planning, oversee operational excellence and ensure the school is positioned strongly for future growth. For the right candidate we are flexible regarding salary, grade and working pattern. We are prepared to recognise experience and proven impact.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic financial leadership including budget setting, multi-year forecasting and ensuring long term sustainability
• Leading HR processes, workforce planning, safer recruitment and policy implementation
• Oversight of compliance, audit and statutory responsibilities
• Leadership of estates, health and safety and capital projects
• Management of operational systems to ensure efficiency, value for money and high standards
• Full participation as a member of the Senior Leadership Team

We are particularly interested in candidates who:

• Have significant experience in financial management and operational leadership within a school or similarly complex organisation
• Can evidence successful budget management and financial control
• Have experience of HR processes and compliance frameworks
• Are confident advising senior leaders and Governors
• Demonstrate resilience, integrity and strong professional judgement

Prospective applicants are warmly encouraged to visit the school and meet the Senior Leadership Team. To arrange a visit or informal discussion, please contact malvern@knowsley.gov.uk or telephone 0151 447 8230. Visits during the school day are welcomed and alternative times can be accommodated by arrangement.

Safeguarding Statement

Malvern Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post involves regulated activity with children and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check including children’s barred list information. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, the school will carry out pre-employment checks including:

• Verification of identity
• Verification of right to work in the United Kingdom
• Enhanced DBS check including children’s barred list information
• Prohibition from teaching check where applicable
• Section 128 check where applicable
• Verification of qualifications where applicable
• Childcare disqualification declaration where applicable
• Online search of shortlisted candidates
• Satisfactory references

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975. All checks will be undertaken in accordance with statutory guidance and the school’s safer recruitment policy.

To apply, please complete the application form and return to malvern@knowsley.gov.uk. Closing date: Wednesday 11th March 2026 at 4.00pm. Shortlisting: Thursday 12th March 2026. Interviews: To be confirmed.