School Business Manager

School Business Manager

Full-Time 44000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage school finances and support strategic planning with the leadership team.
  • Company: Alderbrook Nursery & Primary School, a nurturing and successful primary school in Balham.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's education while developing your career in a warm community.
  • Qualifications: Experience in school finance and excellent communication skills are preferred.
  • Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to improving student outcomes.

The predicted salary is between 44000 - 48000 £ per year.

36 hours per week (8am‑4pm) negotiable. Term‑time only plus 2 weeks (41 weeks). Required start date: Flexible – February, March or April 2026.

Do you have an in‑depth knowledge of school finances? Are you organised with excellent interpersonal skills? We are looking for someone special to bring strong managerial skills to our senior leadership team and be part of a warm and nurturing school. You will be a part of a team that makes a difference to the education and life chances of children.

About Us

Alderbrook is a happy and successful primary school based in Balham, with excellent transport links (close to Clapham South and Balham tube stations, Balham train station and numerous bus links). You will work alongside the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic planning of the school. You will provide strategic vision and operational delivery on all matters relating to budget, finance, HR, premises, extended services (including lettings), health & safety and administration. Prior experience in a school setting is ideal and an accounting or SBM qualification is preferable; training will be provided for an exceptional candidate.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

  • Contributes to the development of the school through the Leadership Team.
  • Is proactive, detail‑oriented, adaptable and highly‑organised, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
  • Inspires colleagues, peers and teams, and works well under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
  • Has an excellent understanding of financial procedures.
  • Is enthusiastic about working in an educational environment.
  • Has excellent communication skills.

What We Can Offer:

  • Work as part of a Leadership team where your skills, enthusiasm and desire to succeed are recognised.
  • The opportunity to develop the role and your own career.
  • A warm, supportive and positive learning working environment.
  • Staff committed to their own professional development and to improving outcomes for the students at Alderbrook Nursery & Primary School.
  • An engaged, supportive and effective governing body.

School Visits:

  • Monday 12th January at 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 13th January at 11 am
  • Thursday 15th January at 2 pm

Please contact the school office to arrange your visit.

Application:

An Application Form, Job Description and Person Specification can be downloaded below. Completed application forms should be returned to the school either by email or post. We encourage applications by email to reduce environmental impact. Please call 020 8673 4913 if you have further questions.

Closing Dates:

Closing date: Monday 19th January 2026 (midday). Interviews will be held on Friday 23rd January 2026.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note we do not accept CVs.

Contact:

Alderbrook Nursery & Primary School
Oldridge Road, Balham
London SW12 8PP
Tel: 020 8673 4913
Headteacher: Carly Foulkes

Salary: £44,663 to £47,741 per annum (Grade PO3 scale point 33‑36)

Job Reference: randw/TP/56/8901

Contract Type: Term Time

Job Category: Schools / Academies – Support staff roles

Business Unit: SFS Schools

Location: Greater London, United Kingdom

Posted on: 08 January 2026

School Business Manager employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames

Alderbrook Nursery & Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a warm and nurturing environment where your contributions are valued and recognised. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have the opportunity to grow within a supportive leadership team dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for children. Located in Balham with excellent transport links, this role provides a unique chance to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a positive work culture.
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Contact Detail:

London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land School Business Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Alderbrook Nursery & Primary School if you can. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and values, and think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. This will show them you're genuinely interested!

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to school finance and management. Think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your organisational skills and ability to work under pressure. We want you to shine!

✨Tip Number 3

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Alderbrook to get insights about the school culture and expectations. This could give you an edge in your interview and help you tailor your responses.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application via our site to streamline the process. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully and double-check your application before hitting send!

We think you need these skills to ace School Business Manager

In-depth knowledge of school finances
Organisational skills
Interpersonal skills
Managerial skills
Strategic planning
Budget management
HR management
Health & safety compliance
Administration skills
Attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple tasks
Excellent communication skills
Proactive approach
Adaptability
Ability to work under pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what Alderbrook is looking for in a School Business Manager and tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experience match their needs.

Show Off Your Skills: This role requires excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, so don’t be shy! Use your application to showcase specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles. We want to see how you can inspire and lead!

Keep It Professional but Personal: While we want you to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. Alderbrook is all about creating a warm and nurturing environment, so share a bit about why you’re passionate about working in education and how you can contribute to the school’s ethos.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website to make the process smoother for everyone. Plus, it helps us reduce our environmental impact. Remember, no CVs, just the application form, please!

How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames

✨Know Your Numbers

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of school finances. Be prepared to discuss budgeting, financial procedures, and any relevant experience you have in managing school funds. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of a School Business Manager.

✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills

Since the role requires excellent organisational abilities, think of specific examples where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Bring these examples to the interview to demonstrate how you can handle the demands of the position.

✨Communicate with Confidence

Excellent communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about their expectations and the school's vision, showing your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership

As you'll be part of the Senior Leadership Team, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share instances where you've inspired colleagues or contributed to a team’s success, as this will resonate well with the school's values.

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